The Characteristics of Autism

Communication

• Speech and language absent or delayed.

• Repetitive use of words or phrases.

• Even with adequate speech, experience difficulty initiating and maintaining conversations with others.

• Use of gestures/mimes, instead of words.

• May mimic words or phrases without regard for meaning.

• Unusual speech production such as saying "you" instead of "me".

• Baby may not babble.

Social Interactions

• Body language may give distorted message.

• Difficulty interacting with others; prefer to be alone.

• May be non-responsive or over-reactive to others.

• Problems understanding social situations.

• Unable to evaluate social appropriateness of verbal responses.

• Inconsistent in acceptance of hugs/cuddling.

• Difficulty understanding others feelings.

Special Interests

• Indifferent or over-reactive to environment.

• No fear of danger.

• Hyperactive.

• Hypoactive.

• Preoccupied with repetitive behaviors or rituals such as crouching or spinning.

• Resistant to change in routine or environment.

• Interests and activities limited in variety.

• Unprovoked tantrums.

• Inconsistent in display of behaviors.

• Self-injurious behavior.

• May have difficulty with sleeping, toileting and/or eating.

• Impaired ability to learn by observing others.

• Persistent preoccupation with parts of objects.

• Not engaging in imaginative play.

Sensory Issues

• Difficulty filtering sensory inputs.

• High pain tolerance.

• Low tolerance to changes in sound, light, smells or touches.