Autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) manifests differently in each individual, but common symptoms include challenges with social interaction and communication, and restricted or repetitive behaviors, interests, or activities
Social Interaction and Communication Challenges:
- Difficulty with social reciprocity: May struggle to understand and respond to social cues, emotions, and interactions.
- Limited or delayed language development: May have difficulty speaking, understanding language, or using language appropriately.
- Nonverbal communication difficulties: May struggle with eye contact, facial expressions, and body language.
- Repetitive or unusual speech patterns: May repeat words or phrases (echolalia), use unusual tones or rhythms, or have difficulty with conversations.
- Difficulty with social understanding: May struggle to understand social rules, sarcasm, or non-literal language.
Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors, Interests, or Activities:
- Repetitive movements or behaviors: May engage in repetitive hand flapping, rocking, spinning, or other movements.
- Insistence on sameness: May become distressed by changes in routine or environment.
- Strong attachments to objects: May have strong attachments to specific objects or activities.
- Sensory sensitivities: May have unusual reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, or lights.
- Intense or narrow interests: May have intense interests in specific topics or activities.