Characteristics of Autism
Autism is a spectrum disorder. The Characteristics of Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors. Adults and children with Autism can display any combination of these behaviors and severity. Two children wit the same diagnosis can act completely different from one another, have varying capabilities and behavioral problems. There are many terms to describe autism. You may hear Autism being described as autistic-like, autism spectrum, low-function autism, high -function autism and more.
Each person with autism is an individual and has a unique personality and combination of characteristics. Some children are mildly affected and display slight delays in language and they have a greater challenge with social skills. They also process and respond to information in unique ways.
People may also have these characteristics of autism.
- Resistance to change to their routine
- May become angry if routine changes
- Using gestures or pointing instead of using words
- In responsive language they may repeat words or phrases instead
- Crying, laughing for no apparent reason
- Aloof manner Prefers to be alone
- Tantrums
- Difficulty in mixing with other children
- Not wanting to cuddle or be cuddled
- Little or no eye contact
- Does not respond to normal teaching methods
- Sustained odd play
- Spinning objects , sometimes objects that are not meant be spun
- Obsessive attachment to objects
- Over or under sensitivity to pain
- No real dangers or fears
- Noticeable physical over or under activity
- Uneven fine/gross motor skills
- Non-responsive to verbal cues even though hearing tests are in normal range
- They many spin around in circles.
The integration of our senses helps us to understand what we are experiencing. One of the characteristics of autism is that sensory integration problems are common which may throw their senses off. Where we touch a peach we feel the fuzzy outside and it smells sweet to us. With an autistic child, the smell of a peach may make them gag and the peach fuzz could be experienced as painful.
There are many misconceptions about the characteristics of autism. Many autistic children do make eye contact but it may be less often. Many children develop good functional language while others may rely on sign language and pictures. Children do not outgrow autism but the symptoms may lessen. This can happen as the children develops and receives treatment.
The most devastating myth about the characteristics of autism is that they cannot show affection. Sensory stimulation is processed differently some children and they can give affection. A parent has to have the patience to accept and give love in the child’s own terms and time. Children with autism can learn and make progress. They can grow up to function productively with an appropriate education, support, services, and benefits.
As you can see, the characteristics of autism vary from child to child. They can range fro mild to severe. No matter what characteristics they display, they can lean how to be a productive individual.