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The Characteristics of Autism
Communication
- Speech and language absent or delayed.
- Repetitive use of words or phrases.
- Even with adequate speech, experience difficulty initiating and maintaining conversations with others.
- Use of gestures/mimes, instead of words.
- May mimic words or phrases without regard for meaning.
- Unusual speech production such as saying "you" instead of "me".
- Baby may not babble.
Social Interactions
- Body language may give distorted message.
- Difficulty interacting with others; prefer to be alone.
- May be non-responsive or over-reactive to others.
- Problems understanding social situations.
- Unable to evaluate social appropriateness of verbal responses.
- Inconsistent in acceptance of hugs/cuddling.
- Difficulty understanding others feelings.
Special Interests
- Indifferent or over-reactive to environment.
- No fear of danger.
- Hyperactive.
- Hypoactive.
- Preoccupied with repetitive behaviors or rituals such as crouching or spinning.
- Resistant to change in routine or environment.
- Interests and activities limited in variety.
- Unprovoked tantrums.
- Inconsistent in display of behaviors.
- Self-injurious behavior.
- May have difficulty with sleeping, toileting and/or eating.
- Impaired ability to learn by observing others.
- Persistent preoccupation with parts of objects.
- Not engaging in imaginative play.
Sensory Issues
- Difficulty filtering sensory inputs.
- High pain tolerance.
- Low tolerance to changes in sound, light, smells or touches.
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