Characteristic Behaviors of Autism

Each child with autism will be different, showing different degrees of severity. A child may display most or all the characteristics listed below, or a child may only display one or two of these characteristics. This list of characteristics is not meant to serve as a basis for diagnosis of autism in your child. They should only be used for a informational resource only, and only a professional should diagnose your child. There are three basic characteristics of autism. They are:
1. Impaired verbal and nonverbal communication.
2. Difficulty interacting socially with others.
3. Unusual and/or restricted interests and sensory responses.
A more complete list of characteristics of autism is divided into categories:

1. Social development
* When picked up, offering no "help"
* Seems unaware of other people and their feelings
* Treating other people as if they were inanimate objects
* Doesn't point at objects to indicate wants or needs
* Doesn't share achievements or interests
* Has difficulty starting relationships with peers
* Avoids eye contact with others
* Has difficulty cooperating in groups
* Prefers solitary activities

2. Communication
* Has delayed speech and use of gestures
* Has difficultly understanding language
* Has difficultly understanding nonverbal cues
* Repetitive speech; echoes what others say (echolalia)
* Confusion between the pronouns "I" and "You" * Memorizes words but can't use the words in context
* Has difficulty with the give and take of conversation
* Monotone voice

3. Behavior
* Has rigid routines (may appear as if resistant to change)
* Repetitive behaviors, such as hand flapping, rocking, finger flicking
* Insistance on following a set pattern of behavior
* Insistance on keeping objects in a certain, often intricate, physical pattern
* Preoccupation with hands
* Preoccupied with parts of an object instead of the whole object
* Spins objects and/or fixates on spinning objects
* Dislike of certain sounds
* Dislike of touching certain textures
* Dislike of being touched
* Temper tantrums
* Displays a lack of imaginative play; can't pretend
* Self-injurious behavior

4. Learning deficits
* Has difficulty with abstract concepts
* Has difficulty using skills learned in one environment in another environment (generalization)

5. Associated features
* Shows a lack of fear and/or awareness of danger
* Laughing at inappropriate times
* Sudden mood changes
* Self-injurious behavior
* Toilet training, sleeping, and/or eating problems