It is important to know the signs of a person who might be diagnosed with autism. Here are some traits that a typical person with autism may exhibit (Autism Society of America):
- Insistence on sameness; resistance to change
- Difficulty in expressing needs, using gestures instead of words
- Repeating words or phrases in place of normal, responsive language
- Preference to being alone; aloof manner
- Tantrums
- Difficulty in mixing with others
- Not wanting to cuddle or be cuddled
- Little or no eye contact
- Laughing (and/or crying) for no apparent reason showing distress for reasons not apparent to others
- Unresponsive to normal teaching methods
- Sustained odd play
- Spinning objects
- Obsessive attachment to objects
- Apparent over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to pain
- No real fears of danger
- Noticeable physical over-activity or extreme under-activity
- Uneven gross/fine motor skills
- Non responsive to verbal cues; acts as if deaf, although hearing tests in normal range.
Keep in mind that because autism is a spectrum disorder, a person with autism may show all, some, or few of these traits. Not every person with autism shows the same signs. If you are concerned that your child is showing signs of autism consult your child’s pediatrician. |
