Autism: Symptoms

What are the symptoms of autism

Symptoms of autism begin early in life. Parents of children with autism generally notice symptoms of autism by their child’s first or second birthday.

Characteristic symptoms of the most severe type of autism, called autistic disorder, include social and language problems, abnormally repetitive routines and behaviors, and extreme sensory feelings. However, specific behaviors and characteristics vary greatly from person to person.

Symptoms of other types of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) also vary in nature and severity. For example, people with Asperger syndrome typically have social challenges and display repetitive behaviors, but they have fewer challenges with language and communication than those with autistic disorder. People with pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) do not have many of the symptoms of autistic disorder, and their symptoms tend to be milder as well.

Communication and language symptoms of autism

Many people with autism find it difficult to communicate. They might have problems understanding other people, or in using more subtle communication methods like facial expressions, movements, and gestures. The following are specific communication-related symptoms of autism:

• Answers questions with unrelated answers

• Communicates with gestures instead of words or vice versa

• Does not develop language or develops it very slowly

• Does not understand or use social cues including facial expressions and gestures

• Interprets what other people say very literally, and does not easily understand jokes or irony

• Repeats his or her own words or phrases over and over, or repeats what other people say

• Uses pronouns incorrectly (such as “You would like some water” instead of “I would like some water”)

Social symptoms of autism

People with autism have social habits that are more debilitating than everyday idiosyncrasies. Autistic people often exhibit social tendencies that include:

• Dislike of physical contact

• Inability to maintain eye contact

• Lack of empathy, which is the ability to understand other people’s feelings

• Solitary play; autistic individuals do not make friends easily

Behavioral symptoms of autism

Behaviors that many people with autism exhibit include:

• Abnormally sensitive or insensitive to the way things look, feel, sound, taste or smell

• Aggressive and violent temper tantrums

• Attachment to routines, and inability to cope if things happen outside the routine

• Attachment to certain objects

• Extreme impulsivity and hyperactivity

• Obsessive interest in certain objects or topics (for example, insects)

• Repetitive or inappropriate activities (for example, licking all the windows on toy cars)

• Repetitive body movements, such as rocking, flapping arms, rubbing fingers together, and spinning in circles

• Self-abusive behaviors, such as head banging and biting

Serious symptoms that might indicate a dangerous or life-threatening condition

In some cases, a child or adult with autism can become violent and a danger to himself or herself or others. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if someone you are with or know has any of these symptoms:

• Suicidal thoughts or a desire to hurt oneself or others

• Violent or threatening behavior