Characteristics of Autism
Autism is a spectrum disorder. This means that individuals diagnosed with autism may present very differently. The severity of autism may range from very mild, to very severe, with any combination of autistic traits present. Below are listed some of the following characteristics that are often observed in individuals diagnosed with autism
- Insistence on sameness; resistance to change in routine
- Difficulty transitioning between activities or routines
- Difficulty in expressing wants and needs
- Repetitive words or phrases often used instead of more functional language
- Laughing, crying, showing distress for reasons not apparent to others
- May not acknowledge other individuals who enter a room
- Frequent tantruming
- Limited social interactions with others for the sake of being social
- May not be interested in being held or hugged
- Limited or fleeting eye contact
- Selective listening
- Sustained odd play
- Repetitive or stereotypical movements that may include body parts, or inappropriate use of objects
- Fixations on odd things (numbers, books, movies, etc)
- Apparent over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to pain
- No real fears of danger
- Noticeable physical over-activity or extreme under-activity
- Delayed gross/fine motor skills
- Not responsive to the direction of others
- Limited receptive and expressive language skills
- Limited interested in various leisure activities, or hyperfocus on one activity
It is not uncommon for a child with autism to have a few of these traits but not exhibit others at all. If you have concerns over your child’s developmental progress, please contact your physician.