How Is High-Functioning Autism Diagnosed?

September 25, 2025

Reviewed by Nechama "Nicole" Fried, MEd, BCBA, LBA



High-functioning autism, often referred to today as Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is diagnosed through careful observation, developmental history, and standardized assessments. While the term “high-functioning” isn’t officially used in medical diagnoses anymore, it generally describes individuals with autism who have strong language and intellectual skills but still face challenges in social communication and behavior.

Steps in Diagnosis:

  1. Developmental History – Doctors ask about early milestones, communication, and social behavior.

  2. Behavioral Observation – Specialists watch how a child interacts, plays, and responds to social cues.

  3. Standardized Assessments – Tools like the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) or questionnaires help identify patterns linked to autism.

  4. Multidisciplinary Evaluation – A team may include psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and pediatricians to rule out other conditions and confirm autism.

  5. Parent and Teacher Input – Reports from caregivers and educators give valuable insight into how the child behaves in different settings.


Early diagnosis allows families to begin interventions like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which can build communication, social, and daily living skills.


Looking for guidance?


At Blue Jay ABA, we provide personalized ABA therapy in North Carolina to support children across the autism spectrum. 


Contact us today to see how our ABA services can help your child thrive.


SOURCES:


https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3808966/


https://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/high-functioning-autism


https://www.healthline.com/health/high-functioning-autism


https://www.cdc.gov/autism/hcp/diagnosis/index.html


https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-diagnostic-criteria-dsm-5

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