We list the following features in more detail than is usually necessary so that you might better understand why individuals with ASD may behave slightly differently at times.

1 Language problems

This section refers to problems with formal language. Social communication is always impaired in ASD individuals, whereas formal language might not be affected.

There may be problems in comprehension of speech, ranging from complete incomprehension to subtle difficulties in grasping metaphorical/ idiomatic phrases.

Other problems in speech include:

- Complete absence of speech

- Both immediate and/ or delayed echolalia

- Muddling of the sequence of letters and words

• confusion of words of similar sound or related meanings; mixing up pronouns and prepositions, eg. using ‘you’ and ‘he’ instead of ‘I’
• poor control of pitch, volume and intonation of the voice.

2 Abnormalities of visual inspection and eye contact

Examples:

The use of peripheral vision more than central visual fields, responding less to details and more to movement and outline; looking past people and things, seeing things ‘out of the corners of the eyes’ more often than by direct inspection.

Looking people and things with brief rapid glances rather than a steady gaze.

Looking at others too long and too fixedly (seen more in older children).

3 Problems with motor imitation

Difficulty in copying movements. There may be a tendency to mix up left with right, back with front, or up with down.

The child may learn better if his limbs are moved through the necessary motions.

There are children who develop the ability to imitate movements as they grow older.

4 Problems with motor control

Examples include

• an odd posture when standing;
• a springy tip-toe way of walking
• jumping, flapping limbs, rocking when excited

5 Unusual responses to sensory experiences

They may express fascination, distress or indifference towards sounds, visual stimuli, pain, heat, cold, the feel of surfaces, tastes, smells, being touched, etc.

Their reaction may be rather out of the ordinary, such as covering the eyes when reacting to a sound.

6 Inappropriate emotional reactions

Examples include lack of fear of real danger, but excessive fear of non-threatening objects or situations; laughing, weeping or screaming for no apparent reason. These reactions most probably result because they lack understanding of the meaning of the situation.

7 Various abnormalities of physical functions and physical development

Examples include:

• irregular patterns of sleeping and resistance to the effects of sedatives
• irregular patterns of eating and drinking, including sometimes the consumption of large quantities of fluid
• lack of dizziness after spinning around
• unusually youthful appearance or unusual face shape

8 Behavioural difficulties

Socially immature and difficult behaviour, for example, throwing tantrums, screaming in public, biting or kicking other people, saying inappropriate things.

9 Special/ Savant Skills

Discussed in the next section...