Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders

ASD (autism spectrum disorder) is a developmental disability caused by brain differences. Scientists are still unsure what causes these differences in the majority of people with ASD. Some people with ASD, however, have a recognized difference, such as a genetic condition. ASD has a variety of causes, the majority of which are unknown.

People with ASD may not appear to be different from other people in terms of appearance, but they may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. People with ASD have a wide range of learning, thinking, and problem-solving abilities, ranging from gifted to severely challenged. Some people with ASD require a great deal of assistance in their daily lives, while others require less.

A diagnosis of ASD now includes autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome, which was previously diagnosed separately. All of these conditions are now referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Possible “Red Flags”
A person with ASD might:

• Not respond to their name by 12 months of age
• Not point at objects to show interest (the point at an airplane flying over) by 14 months
• Not play “pretend” games (pretend to “feed” a doll) by 18 months
• Avoid eye contact and want to be alone
• Have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings
• Have delayed speech and language skills
• Repeat words or phrases over and over (echolalia)
• Give unrelated answers to questions
• Get upset by minor changes
• Have obsessive interests
• Flap their hands, rock their body, or spin in circles
• Have unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look or feel

Social Skills

Social issues are one of the most common symptoms in all types of ASD. People with ASD do not have just social “difficulties” like shyness. The social issues have caused serious problems in everyday life.

Examples of social issues related to ASD:

• Does not respond to name by 12 months of age
• Avoids eye-contact
• Prefers to play alone
• Does not share interests with others
• Only interacts to achieve the desired goal
• Has flat or inappropriate facial expressions
• Does not understand personal space boundaries
• Avoids or resists physical contact
• Is not comforted by others during distress
• Has trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about own feelings

Other Symptoms
Some people with ASD have other symptoms. These might include:

• Hyperactivity (very active)
• Impulsivity (acting without thinking)
• Short attention span
• Aggression
• Causing self-injury
• Temper tantrums
• Unusual eating and sleeping habits
• Unusual mood or emotional reactions
• Lack of fear or more fear than expected
• Unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look or feel

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