CHARACTERISTICS OF AUTISM

A person with autism may display the following characteristics:

1. Social Communication and Interaction

• Difficulty with Social Reciprocity: Challenges in back-and-forth conversations and interactions. Individuals may not respond to social cues or engage in typical social exchanges.
• Nonverbal Communication Issues: Trouble with understanding and using body language, facial expressions, and eye contact.
• Challenges in Developing and Maintaining Relationships: Difficulty in making friends, understanding social norms, and engaging in imaginative play or cooperative activities.

2. Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors

• Repetitive Movements or Speech: Engaging in repetitive actions like hand-flapping, rocking, or repeating phrases (echolalia).
• Insistence on Sameness: Strong preference for routines and a high level of distress when routines are disrupted.
• Restricted Interests: Intense focus on specific topics or activities, often with a level of knowledge and passion that exceeds typical interest.
• Sensory Sensitivities: Over- or under-sensitivity to sensory stimuli such as lights, sounds, textures, or smells.