Signs and symptoms of social difficulties in autism

Basic social interaction can be difficult for children with autism spectrum disorders. Many kids on the autism spectrum seem to prefer to live in their own world, aloof and detached from others.

    Appears disinterested or unaware of other people or what’s going on around them. ASDF
    Doesn’t know how to connect with others, play, or make friends. ASDF
    Prefers not to be touched, held, or cuddled. ASDF
    Doesn’t play "pretend" games, engage in group games, imitate others, or use toys in creative ways. ASDF
    Has trouble understanding or talking about feelings. ASDF
    Doesn’t seem to hear when others talk to him or her. ASDF SOMETIMES
    Doesn't share interests or achievements with others (drawings, toys). ASDF

Signs and symptoms of speech and language difficulties in autism

Children with autism spectrum disorders have difficulty with speech and language. Often, they start talking late.
    Repeats the same words or phrases over and over. ASDF sometimes
    Responds to a question by repeating it, rather than answering it. ASDF sometimes
    Has difficulty communicating needs or desires. ASDF a little
    Doesn’t understand simple directions, statements, or questions. ASDF a little
    Takes what is said too literally (misses undertones of humor, irony, and sarcasm). ASDF

Signs and symptoms of nonverbal communication difficulties in autism

Children with autism spectrum disorders have trouble picking up on subtle nonverbal cues and using body language. This makes the "give-and-take" of social interaction very difficult.

    Avoids eye contact. ASDF


Signs and symptoms of inflexibility in autism

Children with autism spectrum disorders are often restricted, inflexible, and even obsessive in their behaviors, activities, and interests.

    Follows a rigid routine (e.g. insists on taking a specific route to school) ASDF  a little
    Obsessively lines things up or arranges them in a certain order. ASDF
    Preoccupation with a narrow topic of interest, often involving numbers or symbols (e.g. memorizing and reciting facts about maps, train schedules, or sports statistics).ASDF