What Is High-Functioning Autism, And How Does High-Functioning Autism Differ From Asperger Syndrome?

Oct. 23, 2008 -- Question: What is high-functioning autism, and how does high-functioning autism differ from Asperger syndrome?

Answer: High-functioning autism is an informal term used to refer to individuals who have had a diagnosis of austistic disorder, but they have normal or above-average IQs. Individuals diagnosed with Asperger disorder also have normal or above-average IQ. However, they do not have a language delay. And individuals referred to as having high-functioning autism have had a language delay in their early childhood.