Of these disorders, high functioning autism, or HFA, and Asperger syndrome are considered the mildest, the two very similar in presentation.
Some with HFA may have very well developed vocabularies, but speak in an awkward, high pitched, or monotone style.
Understanding non-verbal cues like facial expression, body posture, or gestures can be an area of weakness, and maintaining eye contact with others may be difficult for those with HFA.
While there are many similarities between HFA or Asperger syndrome symptoms and those of other autism forms, there are distinct differences as well.
Those with HFA and Asperger syndrome often respond more readily to therapies and treatments than many individuals with more severe forms of autism.