What are the characteristics of autism?

Every person with autism is different. However, there are some common characteristics of individuals with autism that may occur. Remember that although these are some common characteristics no two persons with autism experience the world or behave in the same way:

• Difficulty in using and understanding language. Some children develop typical speech patterns until age two.

• Poorly developed social skills and unusual play with toys.

• Over or under sensitivity to sound, sight, taste, touch, or smell.

• Repetitive behaviors such as spinning objects or rocking.

• Certain behaviors exhibited to stimulate the senses, such as switching a light on and off repeatedly, or humming loudly.

• Difficulty with changes to surroundings or routines.

• Very high levels of activity for long periods of time.

• Uneven skill development. Some skills are normal or superior for their age while others show significant delay.

• Challenging behaviors such as aggression, self injury or severe withdrawal.

Source: Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD)