In severe cases, the individual ignores other people completely, especially other children. He may seem "aloof" and "indifferent", in a world of his own (that is how the name ‘autism’ came about).

However, some autistic children might show some attachment, on a simply physical level, especially to adults whom they are familiar with.

In less severe form, the child passively accepts social contact, even showing some pleasure in it, though s/he will rarely make spontaneous approaches.

Some children with ASD approach other people, but in a rather odd, inappropriate and repetitive way. They do not seem to pay attention to the responses of the people they approach.

In the most able adolescents and adults, the social impairment may have become an inappropriately stilted and formal manner of interaction with family and friends, as well as strangers.

However, children with ASD may become more sociable as they grow up.