High Functioning Autism Life Span

Understanding High-Functioning Autism

Navigating through life with high-functioning autism can be a unique journey, full of both challenges and triumphs. To better understand this journey, it's important to first define what high-functioning autism is and understand its characteristics and effects on cognitive functioning.

Definition and Characteristics

High-functioning autism is a term used to describe individuals with autism who exhibit milder symptoms and higher levels of cognitive functioning. They possess good language skills and cognitive capabilities, which allow them to navigate certain aspects of daily life with relative independence. It's important to note that the term "high-functioning" does not imply a lack of challenges, but rather a different set of strengths and struggles compared to individuals with more severe forms of autism [1].

Autism itself is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. The abilities and challenges faced by individuals with autism can vary widely, making each person's experience unique [2].

Cognitive Functioning

Contrary to some common misconceptions, autism is not always associated with severe cognitive and language impairments. In fact, up to two-thirds of individuals with autism have an IQ in the average range or above, and around 60-75% develop some useful speech. The diagnostic criteria for autism in DSM-5 do not include a delay in language development as a core symptom, further emphasizing the diverse cognitive abilities of individuals with autism.

Outcomes for autistic adults are highly variable and most individuals show improvements as they transition from childhood to young adulthood. Severity of autism symptoms tends to decrease, social skills often improve, and adaptive functioning and independence skills tend to show improvements over time.

Understanding high-functioning autism and the effects it has on cognitive functioning is crucial in supporting individuals on their journey. This understanding can guide interventions, support systems, and strategies to enhance the quality of life and promote the well-being of individuals with high-functioning autism throughout their life span.

Factors Affecting Life Expectancy

In understanding the factors that influence the high functioning autism life span, one must consider health complications, social relationships, and communication challenges. Each of these factors plays a significant role in the overall health and well-being of an individual with autism.

Health Complications

Individuals with autism often face a higher rate of health problems, which can affect their life expectancy. The average life expectancy for some individuals with autism is about 39 years, typically succumbing to health complications about 20 years earlier than individuals without autism [4]. Risk of death due to health issues is highest among low-functioning females with autism spectrum disorder.

Autistic adults are more likely to experience chronic health conditions such as seizure disorders, hypertension, and allergies, as well as mental health difficulties including anxiety, bipolar disorder, dementia, depression, and schizophrenic disorder. They also face a greater likelihood of developing physical health conditions, including Type II diabetes, certain cancers, respiratory conditions, and cardiovascular conditions, with a higher risk for autistic females [6].

Social Relationships

Social relationships are another significant factor that can affect the life expectancy of individuals with high functioning autism. As per Songbird Care, individuals with autism spectrum disorder may struggle with maintaining social relationships. This lack of social interaction can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can have a negative impact on their mental and emotional well-being.

Communication Challenges

Communication challenges are a common issue for individuals with autism, and these can also affect life expectancy. Miscommunication between autistic adults and healthcare providers can be a barrier to accessing appropriate healthcare. Healthcare providers may use language that is not understandable to autistic adults, leading to difficulties in effectively communicating healthcare needs.

Moreover, transitions such as moving from pediatric to adult healthcare services can create barriers to accessing appropriate healthcare. The transition process is often fast and lacks attention to personal needs, causing distress and difficulties in locating relevant and appropriate services.

Addressing these health complications, social relationship difficulties, and communication challenges can help improve the life expectancy of individuals with high functioning autism. Interventions, early diagnosis, and effective healthcare services can have a significant impact on the overall quality of life for these individuals.

Predictors of Mortality

Understanding the predictors of mortality in individuals with high-functioning autism is crucial for implementing effective interventions and strategies to improve life expectancy. Two significant predictors are social skills and employment status.

Social Skills

Social skills play a vital role in the life span of individuals with high-functioning autism. Difficulties in communication, inappropriate facial expressions, and limited self-sufficiency in daily activities can predict mortality in adults with autism. Moreover, factors such as cognitive and behavioral impairments, and activities of daily living, influence the life expectancy of these individuals. Higher IQ, better language skills, and improved social skills are positively correlated with better adaptive functioning and communication.

Lifestyle factors also significantly impact the life expectancy of autistic individuals. Particularly, autistic females exhibit unhealthy diet, exercise, and sleep patterns, which are positively related to a higher risk of cardiovascular conditions. Limited sleep duration and high rates of sleep disturbances further contribute to health risks and mortality.

Employment Status

The ability to maintain employment is another predictor of mortality in individuals with high-functioning autism. Employment status affects daily living activity self-sufficiency and contributes to the overall quality of life [4].

Unemployment can lead to a lack of routine, decreased social interaction, and increased feelings of isolation, which can further exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals with high-functioning autism. Therefore, it's critical to provide adequate vocational training and job placement support to these individuals.

It's important to note that autistic individuals are more likely to develop physical and mental health conditions, including Type II diabetes, certain cancers, respiratory conditions, and cardiovascular conditions. Estimates suggest that autistic individuals die 16-38.5 years younger on average than expected, with the greatest risk among autistic females and those with intellectual disability [6].

To improve the life expectancy of individuals with high-functioning autism, it's crucial to focus on enhancing social skills, providing employment support, promoting healthy lifestyle habits, and implementing effective health management strategies. Early intervention and ongoing support can significantly improve the quality of life and life span of these individuals.

Interventions for Improved Life Expectancy

Improving the life span of individuals with high functioning autism involves implementing various interventions aimed at enhancing their daily living skills, mitigating health risks, and fostering their social engagement.

Behavioral Interventions

Behavioral interventions play a significant role in the lives of individuals with autism. These interventions are designed to enhance self-sufficiency, improve social skills, and address maladaptive behaviors common among people with autism. By doing so, they may help reduce the risk of early death and promote long, healthy lives for these individuals.

Early intervention is particularly effective in improving primary symptoms of autism, potentially influencing mortality rates. Factors such as cognitive and behavioral impairments, social skills, and daily living activities significantly influence the life expectancy of these individuals. Better language skills, higher IQ, and improved social skills are positively correlated with better adaptive functioning and communication.

Daily Living Skills

Daily living skills are essential for individuals with high functioning autism. Developing these skills can enhance their independence, improve their quality of life, and positively impact their long-term health. Parents or caregivers who help set high expectations for maintaining such skills can significantly influence the survival of individuals with autism.

Improving daily living skills also involves addressing lifestyle factors that may affect the health of individuals with autism. For instance, adults with autism, particularly females, often exhibit unhealthy diet, exercise, and sleep patterns, which can lead to being underweight or obese. By addressing these issues, the risk of cardiovascular conditions, which are already higher among autistic males, can be significantly reduced.

In conclusion, behavioral interventions and the development of daily living skills play a vital role in improving the life expectancy of individuals with high functioning autism. Early interventions, ongoing treatment, and a supportive environment are crucial in managing health risks, enhancing their quality of life, and improving their overall well-being.

Health Risks and Management

Understanding the common health issues associated with high-functioning autism and the importance of early intervention is crucial in managing the life span of individuals with this condition.

Common Health Issues

Medical comorbidities are more common in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) than in the general population. Some genetic disorders, such as Fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, neurofibromatosis type I, and tuberous sclerosis complex, are more prevalent in individuals with ASD. Neurological disorders such as epilepsy, macrocephaly, hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, migraine/headaches, and congenital abnormalities of the nervous system are also more common in this group.

Sleep disorders are a significant problem in individuals with autism, occurring in about 80% of them. Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are also significantly more common in individuals with ASD, occurring in 46% to 84% of them. The most common GI problems observed are chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea, gastroesophageal reflux and/or disease, nausea and/or vomiting, flatulence, chronic bloating, abdominal discomfort, ulcers, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, food intolerance, and failure to thrive(NCBI).

Autistic adults have an increased susceptibility to physical, mental, and social health issues compared to non-autistic individuals. They are more likely to experience chronic health conditions such as seizure disorders, hypertension, and allergies, as well as mental health difficulties including anxiety, bipolar disorder, dementia, depression, and schizophrenic disorder.

Early Intervention Benefits

Early intervention is essential in managing the health issues associated with high-functioning autism. Miscommunication between autistic adults and healthcare providers can be a barrier to accessing appropriate healthcare. Healthcare providers may use language that is not understandable to autistic adults, leading to difficulties in effectively communicating healthcare needs.

Life changes, such as transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare services, can create barriers to accessing appropriate healthcare for autistic adults. The transition process is often fast and lacks attention to personal needs, causing distress and difficulties in locating relevant and appropriate services.

Therefore, it is crucial to recognize these challenges and incorporate mechanisms to overcome these barriers. Early intervention services, personalized healthcare plans, and clear communication can significantly improve the management of health risks and increase the life span of individuals with high-functioning autism.

Enhancing Quality of Life

High functioning autism life span can be significantly impacted by the quality of life. Two essential components that contribute to this quality are social engagement and employment support.

Social Engagement

Given that autistic adults have an increased susceptibility to physical, mental, and social health issues compared to non-autistic individuals (PubMed Central), social engagement plays a critical role in their overall well-being. Involvement in social activities can help mitigate the risks of mental health difficulties, such as anxiety and depression, and promote a sense of belonging.

However, it's important to note that autistic individuals often face challenges with social interactions. Therefore, it's crucial to provide them with supportive environments where they feel comfortable and accepted. This can be achieved through inclusive activities tailored to their interests and abilities, as well as social skills training to help them navigate social situations more effectively.

Moreover, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also paramount. Autistic adults are less likely to meet minimal health recommendations for diet, exercise, and sleep. Therefore, encouraging participation in physical activities, promoting a balanced diet, and ensuring adequate sleep can significantly improve their health outcomes and overall quality of life.

Employment Support

In addition to social engagement, employment support is another key factor in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with high-functioning autism [1]. Employment not only provides a source of income but also offers opportunities for social interaction, skill development, and increased self-esteem.

However, autistic individuals often encounter challenges in finding and maintaining employment due to difficulties in communication and social interactions. Therefore, preemptive career exploration, work experience, and appropriate job placement can significantly improve their employment outcomes.

Support systems such as job coaching, vocational training, and workplace accommodations can also be beneficial. These services can assist autistic individuals in learning job-specific skills, adapting to the workplace environment, and overcoming potential challenges.

It's also worth noting that the employment sector needs to play its part in creating inclusive and supportive workplaces. This includes fostering a better understanding of autism, providing autism-friendly recruitment processes, and promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

In conclusion, enhancing the quality of life for individuals with high-functioning autism involves a multifaceted approach that addresses their social, vocational, and health needs. By providing adequate support and opportunities in these areas, we can contribute to improving their life span and overall well-being.