Information
Autism
About autism spectrum disorder: signs in the early and later years, and other strengths and characteristics.
About autism
- Autism, also called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), can look different for each person.
- There is no known cause of autism.
- Having autism is not bad or wrong.
- No two children with autism are exactly the same.
Indicators in early years
- Not responding to their name
- Not responding to a parent’s voice
- Understanding fewer words or phrases
- Limited use of gestures (for example, not pointing)
- Limited eye contact or eye gaze
- Limited shared interest or joint attention
- Not aware of other people’s feelings or actions
- Repetitive body movements (for example, rocking or flapping hands)
- Repetitive movements with objects
- Little interest in talking or communicating
- Sensitivity to sounds, lights or other sensory information
Indicators in later years
- Losing skills they used to have (called regression)
- Showing challenging or self-injurious behaviors
- Having trouble understanding figurative language (like jokes or sayings)
- Repeating words or phrases (called echolalia) to help communicate
- Having difficulty with social communication, such as:
- Understanding what people are thinking or feeling
- Taking turns when talking
- Starting a conversation
- Staying on topic during a conversation
Other possible characteristics
- Can focus deeply on tasks or special interests
- Can concentrate for a long time
- Are honest, dependable and reliable
- Have a strong sense of right and wrong
- Like to follow rules
- May learn to read at an early age
- Creative thinking
- Strong visual thinking and learning skills
- Great attention to detail
- Logical thinking and problem solving
- Unique ways to solve problems
- Excellent long-term memory
- Does well with schedules and routines