Characteristics of Autism
It is important to understand that no single behaviour is indicative of autism, nor will a child show all the behaviours listed. The significant factor is a pattern of behaviours. Some of the behaviours may be intense whilst others are relatively mild. Some of the behaviours that indicate autism are seen at specific times in a typically developing child. The significant difference in autism is the intensity of the behaviour and the persistence of the behaviour beyond the normal developmental time-frame.
Language/Communication
- Has flat or limited facial expressions
- Does not use gestures
- Rarely initiates conversation
- Fails to imitate actions or sounds
- May have little or no speech or may be quite verbal
- Repeats or echoes words and/or phrases
- Uses unusual intonation or rhythm
- Seems not to understand word meanings or understand implied meaning but uses words literally
Social Interaction
- Spends time alone rather than with others
- Less responsive to social cues such as eye contact or smiles
- Seeks social contact in unusual ways
- Uses an adults hand as a tool
Play
- Lack of spontaneous or imaginative play
- Does not imitate others actions
- Is very attached to certain toys or objects and plays with them in an unusual way
- Does not play turn-taking games
- Play is repetitive
Behaviour
- Is upset by and resists change to routines or environment
- Drifts aimlessly
- Exhibits strong and inflexible interests
- Throws tantrums for no apparent reason
- May he over/hyperactive or passive
Sensory Impairment
- Sometimes appears deaf
- Exhibits panic or pain related to specific sounds
- Plays with light and reflection
- Flicks fingers before eyes
- Pulls away when touched
- Strongly avoids certain smells, foods, clothes etc
- Is attracted to certain patterns/textures/odours.
- May spin, whirl, bang head or torso, bite wrist or hand, bounces or jumps, climbs
- Exhibits unusual or non response to pain, heat or cold
- Toileting problems
