Here are some common traits of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Not all autistic individuals will have all of these traits; this is a general guide.
Social Interaction
- Difficulty with or lack of eye contact
- Neutral / flat facial expressions
- Unusual body posture / walking stride
- Failure to read social cues
- Difficulty in understanding their own feelings
- Low / no interest in shared enjoyment – solo play
- Low / no interest in others’ achievements
- Low / no interest in or understanding of others’ feelings or how their actions might impact on others
- May not be comforted by touch / may avoid being touched
- Focused on own needs
- As a baby, may not respond to ‘typical’ social play, eg peekaboo
Communication
- Difficulty with both verbal and non-verbal communication (body language)
- Delayed speech / no speech
- Unusual speech pattern / formal speech
- Difficulty with remaining engaged in conversations
- Difficulty with taking turns in conversations
- Echolalic – may repeat phrases, sounds, words
- Difficulty with humour and innuendo
- May be very literal
Behaviour
- Focus on parts or pieces, not seeing the whole picture
- May have intense obsessions
- Deep need for routines and sameness
- Stimming behaviours – rocking, flapping, spinning
- May be hyper- or hypo- sensitive to textures (food, clothing) or temperature
- May be hyper- or hypo- sensitive to light and sound
- Inability to process touch – may touch too hard or not hard enough, may touch others without being aware they are doing it
- Might have savant-like skills – maths, music, memory, etc.
- Difficulty with understanding personal space – may stand too closely
- May have problems going to sleep or staying asleep
- May have problems with self-care – toileting, dressing, eating, washing
- Difficulty with executive functioning – organising, beginning and completing tasks
- Difficulties with transitions
