Six Symptoms of Autism

*SIX MAJOR SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM*

1. Failure to develop normal socialization
-can’t develop normal social skills
-can’t show emotion
-apathetic and unresponsive
-little or no eye contact
-people used as a "means to an end", as tools
-inability to relate to the world

2. Disturbances in Speech, Language, and Communication
-second major symptom: speech problems.
- 40% of kids with autism do not speak at all
-Have echolalia (link to page with key terms)
-Pragmatics (non verbal communication /social interactions is impaired.

3. Abnormal Relationships to Objects and Events
-unable to relater normally to things and events.
-many have a "need for sameness" and may become upset if their environment/schedule is changed.
-need for routine.
-playing by self, lining up items, etc.
-responses to playing, etc, may change with time.

4. Abnormal Responses to Sensory Stimulation
-respond to stimuli differently: ex. "we" filter out car alarms, police alarms, autistic children don’t and may cover their ears, shout, etc.
-tendency to "overattend" some things and "underattend" others.
-may even seem deaf at times.
-may be fascinated with letters, lights, etc.
-enjoy being thrown in the air or spinning.
-may be indifferent to cold or pain.

5. Developmental Differences and Delays
-significantly different ways an autistic child develops.
-rate of development in communication, social, and cognitive skills is slow (different) but pace with walking etc (motor skills)
-some skills may develop but then go away (language, etc.)

6. Begins during infancy or childhood
-begins during infancy
-autism is a lifelong disability that one is born with.
-usually diagnosed
-in some children, symptoms lessen around 5 or 6 yrs old

Confused about some terms? See the Glossary of autistic terms.

Go Back to Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

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