Autism can range from mild to severe and the symptoms of light autism are more commonly referred to as mild symptoms of autism or symptoms of high functioning autism. Any form of autism falls along the autism spectrum of disorder because the severity of symptoms can vary greatly from individual to individual. Also, it is important to remember that only an experienced mental health professional has the skills to determine if autism is present.
Social
A person with high functioning autism may display some symptoms that relate to their ability to normally socialize. Even babies can display the symptoms of autism through their lack of eye contact or through a desire to play by themselves instead of with others. A person with mild autism may desire to engage in social interactions with others, but may lack the skills to do so effectively, notes TeensHealth, an information service sponsored by the Nemours Foundation. Therefore, they may appear to others as slightly awkward or hard to read.
Behavioral
People who have mild forms of autism may engage in slight repetitive behaviors that involve physical movements such as walking on her toes or flapping her hands, notes National Institute of Mental Health.
Also, they may feel comforted by routine and structure. When a person's normal routine is broken she might become intensely upset and behave in an uncontrollable manner as a way to display her emotions about the situation.
In addition, these people may be preoccupied with a certain topic or certain items. She may spend a lot of time collecting and arranging a specific set of items or she may spend her time gathering a wealth of information on a certain topic such as train schedules or the weather, notes the NIMH.
Communication
People with high functioning autism will display symptoms related to their communication. With mild forms of autism language comprehension is generally not a problem, but it is in the use of the language where the signs of autism can be seen. These people may have trouble furthering conversations, using proper grammar, communicating their needs and fully understanding the statements of others, notes HelpGuide.org. Also, a person with mild autism will lack the ability to interpret the non-verbal behaviors displayed by others such as facial expressions and posture, notes Autism Speaks. When a person with mild autism communicates with others the expression of her language may be limited to a monotone or robotic tone with limited use nonverbal cues.
According to HelpGuide.org, these people will take things in their literal form, often failing to recognize humor, irony or metaphors.
Intelligence
Generally, people with mild autism will have average or high levels of intelligence when compared to other people at their developmental level. Also, some people may be classified as savants. This occurs when a person possess a significant ability in a certain area; common areas include math, music and art.
