Autism, more accurately known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting both children and adults. Because it is a “spectrum” of conditions, autism manifests in a wide range of behaviors, challenges, and strengths.
As such, you should be aware that autistic individuals often exhibit unique traits, and no two cases of ASD are the same. There is currently no cure for ASD; however, early diagnosis and intervention could go a long way in promoting successful management.
In this article, we aim to guide you through the key characteristics of autism, focusing on what you need to know about this condition.
Key Characteristics of Autism
Although autism isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition, there are still some characteristic features that are present in every case. However, you should know that the intensity or severity of these markers will vary depending on the person affected. Here are some of the major characteristics of autism you should know about:
Social Challenges
Everyone dealing with autism usually experiences problems initiating or participating in social communication. These difficulties typically arise because they have trouble understanding and interpreting social cues like body language, facial expression, and tone of voice. This usually makes it challenging for them to establish and maintain meaningful relationships.
Because some kids are naturally shy, most parents of children with undiagnosed autism usually operate in the belief that their kid is just shy. But over time, they’ll begin to notice several subtle differences. These could include:
- Trouble initiating and maintaining eye contact
- No response to name when called (this usually starts when the child is 9 months and above old)
- Little to no physical or social gestures like waving goodbye by 12 months
- Gets upset at spontaneity or unexpected interruptions
Some people with autism are non-verbal; that is, they prefer to communicate via non-verbal cues. Others also start to dislike being touched by others, even their parents strongly. Of course, this factor could greatly limit the quantity and quality of social interactions.
Repetitive Behaviors
When you hear about a condition that manifests in a preference for repetitive behaviors and “rituals,” most people immediately think Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). However, you should know that autism can also manifest with repetitive behaviors. In fact, this is one of the key characteristics of the condition.
As earlier mentioned, children with autism prefer for activities to be laid out in a specific manner of their choosing. So, they will usually respond negatively to changes or alterations in their routines. Examples of repetitive behaviors associated with autistic kids include:
- Arranging toys and playing with them in the exact same way every time
- Gets upset when there are even minimal changes to any part of their daily routine
- A strong preference for doing things in a specific way every time.
Sensory Sensitivities
Sensory sensitivities are also quite common in people with autism. Affected individuals will often exhibit different responses to various sensory stimuli like light, sound, and textures. For example, Some normal colors or sounds could be overwhelming for people with autism.
Specialized Interests
Many people with autism develop and exhibit an intense focus on specific topics. This specialization isn’t necessarily a bad thing since it makes them develop a deep level of expertise in that particular area.
However, the problem here is that the intensive focus on only one aspect makes it challenging for them to focus on other things. As such, they may struggle with transitioning to other activities when necessary.
Unusual Emotional Responses
Individuals with autism also display differences in emotional responses. However, the degree or intensity of these responses could vary with the individual in question. That said, one common feature here is exaggerated emotional responses to regular requests or situations.
For example, someone with autism could display intense anxiety in the face of changes to their routines. Children could display a lot of anger when asked to stop doing something and start something else. In all cases, the emotional responses are always more exaggerated than the situation demands.
Conclusion
ASD may share some symptoms with other conditions; however, when all of the above symptoms are present in one person, it can’t be mistaken for anything else. It is crucial you know all of these symptoms because that’s the first step to ensuring you can provide the support your autistic loved ones need without upsetting them.