Characteristics of Autism

Spectrum Disorders
Omar Ascencio
EDUU 575
Summer (2) 2017
Cognitive & Neurological Characteristics

• Seizures
• Sleep Problems
• Processing Abstract ideas
• Delays in developmental milestones (crawling, walking, etc)
• Poor motor planning and fundamental motor skills
Behavioral & Sensory Characteristics

• Sensitivity to touch such as deep pressure, vibration, pain, tags on

shirts, and temperature.
• Difficulties with vision tasks
• Sensitivity to sounds. May have a hard time with loud music or
certain sounds like a lawn mower.
• Sensitivity to taste and smell. May a tendency to dislike certain
smells and foods.
• Repetitive movements (hand flapping, walk on tiptoes, jumping)
• Need of sameness
Communication & Language Characteristics

• Respond in a very literal manner to suggestions, questions, or

information
• Difficulty grasping main ideas, drawing conclusions and making
inferences from print and/or conversations.
• Difficulty understanding humor
• Difficulty with “wh” questions (who, what, when, where, why,
how)
• Difficulties in reading comprehension
Social Characteristics

• Withdrawn socially
• Difficulty seeing another person’s perspective
• Understanding that other people have unique thoughts/ideas
• No or minimal eye contact
• Speaks loudly or too fast
• Difficulty staying on topic
• Conversations tend to be one side rather than reciprocal
• Talk aloud to self in public (self-talk)
• Inability to initiate, terminate, or facilitate a conversation