Do You Think Your Child May Have ASD Level 1 [High-Functioning Autism]? Take This Quiz!

By Mark Hutten, M.A.
1. Does your child tend to focus on one subject to the exclusion of all others?

Yes - he latches onto one topic of interest and learns everything there is to know about it. He won't even think about something else!

No - he has some favorite topics, but displays a wide range of interests.

2. Does your child have difficulty interacting socially, particularly when it comes to nonverbal communication?

Yes - he/she seems unable to pick up cues in people's body language and vocal inflection.

No - he/she seems to be able to read the mood of a room pretty well, and understands what is and isn't appropriate in a conversation.

3. Does your child vary his or her vocal inflections, volume, or pitch?

No - he/she speaks in a monotone, regardless of the subject or the environment.

Yes - he/she shouts, whispers, laughs, whimpers, and more.

4. Does your child adhere to rigid, repetitive routines when it comes to everyday tasks?

Yes - everything has to be just so, from where we sit for breakfast to her bedtime routines.

No - she is pretty free and easy with her daily routine.

5. How are your child's motor skills developing?

A. He is a little behind other kids his age.

B. He is right where he should be.

6. Does your child understand idiomatic expressions (e.g., slang terms and figures of speech)?

No - she takes everything literally.

Yes - she doesn't know them right away, but she easily learns their meanings.

7. Does your child show an interest in playing with others?

Yes - he/she is always engaging with other kids.

No - sometimes it's as though he/she doesn't realize there are other kids present.

8. How is your child's IQ as compared to peers?




9. How old was your child when you first suspected he or she might have High-Functioning Autism?

A. Three years old or younger.

B. Older than three years.

10. Are there any cases of autism in your family history?

Yes

No

Scoring—

If at least 6 of your answers coincide with the answers below, your youngster may have High-Functioning Autism:

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. No
4. Yes
5. A.
6. No
7. No
8. A.
9. A.
10. Yes


Resources for parents of children and teens with Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism:

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