In the United States, one in 31 children are diagnosed with autism. However, autism is a spectrum, meaning that people with autism demonstrate a variety of functional and intellectual skills and a person’s needs can change across their lifespan. Typically, autism is divided into various levels; at level 1, individuals may require some social, communication, or sensory support, while at level 3, an individual may require significant support to manage daily living. 

Applied Behavior Analysis or behavioral therapy is a research-based approach to supporting individuals with autism, including level 1, also known as high-functioning autism. Read on to find out more about high-functioning autism and how behavior interventionists support these individuals. 

What is high functioning autism? 

High-functioning autism (HFA) is a term used to describe people on the autism spectrum who have average to above-average intelligence and language skills. They may have challenges with social skills and communication, but can generally complete educational goals, live independently, and take conventional employment. 

Characteristics of people who have HFA include: 

• Average to above-average intelligence, including excelling in certain academic areas. 
• The ability to communicate verbally.
• May struggle to understand social cues, form relationships, and manage social situations. 
• May demonstrate repetitive behaviors and special interests. 
• May be sensitive to sensory stimuli, like loud noises or bright lights. 

How is high-functioning autism different than other autism diagnoses? 

Autism diagnosis are typically divided into three levels: 

• Level 1: the individual may demonstrate some repetitive behaviors or special interests, and may have some sensory sensitivities, but can live relatively independently. 
• Level 2: an individual may have noticeable communication and social challenges, and more repetitive behaviors. Individuals require substantial support to manage daily living.
•  Level 3: an individual requires extensive, ongoing support to manage daily living. These individuals may have severe difficulties with social interactions, communication, and daily living skills. 

Before the 2013 update of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), high-functioning autism or level 1, was known as Asperger’s syndrome. High-functioning, then, is a term used to describe the level of support that an individual with autism requires to manage independent daily living, including communication, social skills, and employment. 

A person’s level is determined by trained psychologists who use tools, like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) to observe and draw conclusions about whether an individual is on the autism spectrum, and which level they are at. 

How does behavior intervention support those with high functioning autism? 

People with HFD or level 1 autism do not need the same level of support as people with level 2 or 3. However, therapies like ABA or behavior therapy can support individuals as they learn functional skills. 

Behavior intervention helps children with HFA by teaching and developing communication and independent living skills, and reducing challenging behaviors. ABA and behavior intervention support students with HFA in: 

• Improving communication by teaching how to understand and respond to questions, communicate needs, and express emotions. 
• Teaching social skills including how to greet people, engage in back-and-forth conversation, and understanding social cues. 
• Developing life skills including hygiene, meal preparation, and navigating public transportation. 
• Maintaining productive behaviors by reducing or replacing challenging behaviors with more appropriate ones, or eliminating problem behaviors like tantrums or aggression. 
• Using coping strategies to manage anxiety, sensory sensitivities, and other challenges. 

While individuals with HFA may not need ongoing behavior intervention, it can be helpful in understanding the function of behaviors that are problematic for an individual, and teaching them behaviors that help them reach their goals. 

Where do behavior interventionists support kids with high-functioning autism?

Behavior interventionists (also known as behavior therapists or behavioral interventionists) provide support to individuals with autism in schools, treatment centers, homes, and community-based programs. If they are not BCBA certified, they work with a BCBA certified therapist to implement individualized behavior plans to address a client’s specific needs and challenges. 

What techniques support people with high functioning autism? 

Behavior interventionists use a variety of techniques to support children and adults with HFA;

Some core principles of behavior intervention:

• Individualization: Each individual with autism is unique so strategies are tailored to each person. For individuals with HFA, this could include their goals and interests that are used to design a plan and support learning. 
• Strengths-based: Intervention builds on a person’s strengths and interests to build skill and motivation. 
• Manageable tasks: Tasks are broken down into manageable chunks and steps to support success. 
• Explicit instruction: Behaviors, from communication to daily living, are taught explicitly. Often, visual supports reinforce learning. 
• Collaboration: An individual’s plan is implemented with support from a team, including the family and, at times, the client. 

What outcomes can be expected for students with high-functioning autism? 

The goal of behavior intervention is not to eliminate autistic traits, but to help an individual achieve their individual goals for their life. That might be having successful social interactions, or managing a daily schedule. Some outcomes that individuals with HFA might pursue: 

• Achieving academic success, including graduating from high school and college. 
• Managing executive functioning, such as staying organized, planning, and time management. 
• Communication and social skills, or understanding and responding appropriately to social cues and maintaining important relationships. 

How do I become a behavior interventionist? 

A behavior interventionist typically requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field, like psychology, education, or ABA. Additional education or certifications may be required depending on the setting or role. 

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field that includes required coursework. 
• Certification as a registered behavior technician (RBT) or Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). These certifications require a level of supervised field experience and specific coursework to obtain. 
• State licensing, if applicable. 

FAQ

What is high functioning autism?

High-functioning autism (HFA) is a term used to describe people on the autism spectrum who have average to above-average intelligence and language skills. They may have challenges with social skills and communication, but can generally complete educational goals, live independently, and take conventional employment. 

How does behavior intervention support children with high functioning autism? 

Behavior intervention supports students by identifying the function of a behavior and creating and implementing a plan to reduce or eliminate problematic behaviors while teaching and strengthening productive behaviors. 

How much money do behavior interventionists make? 

The salary for a behavior interventionist, on average, is $47,731 per year ($23 per hour), though this ranges from market to market so it is important to check your region for specific salary ranges. 

Do I need a college degree to work as a behavior interventionist? 

It is possible to become a behavior interventionist with a high school diploma, but most jobs require a bachelor’s degree in psychology, child development, or a related field. Many jobs require a master’s degree and BCBA certification.