Here are some common Autistic trait. 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
- 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
Contact us for support
If you are the parent or carer of an autistic child (diagnosed or suspected) and would like to speak with one of the team, please ring our helpline on 07835727394 or email helpline@bristolautismsupport.org
