Characteristics For AutismAs many as 1 in every 150 people can have autism.The characteristics for autism - Also know as ASD (autistic spectrum disorder) can differ greatly from one person to another. They can also effect the same person differently depending on their environment and things that happen in their daily life. Other symptoms are not apparent until the children are much older. The three main characteristics of autism are as follows: Characteristics for autism - Social interactionAn autistic child can find it hard to relate to people. He may seem distant and detached from people or his surroundings.He may find it hard to make eye contact with you. He may have very little interest in people, and could find it difficult to make friends with other children. He may resist physical contact from people, he may not like to be cuddled. He may have some real difficulty in understanding and managing emotions, his own, and the emotions of others. He may prefer to be on his own, rather than with other people and children.
Characteristics for autism - Social communicationA child with autism may not be good at expressing themselves.He may not speak, or may have very limited speech. If he does talk, then he may have difficulty in explaining things. Sometimes using odd words or made up words when conversing. He may not understand other people facial gestures or the tone of their voice. He might not be able to get a good grasp on given instructions. Characteristics for autism - social ImaginationA child with autism may have a limited imagination. Instead of pretending to drive a toy car around the floor, he may be more happy just looking at it or rolling the wheels with his fingers.He may get more enjoyment from playing the same games over and over. Or you may find that younger children's games seem more appropriate for him. A child with autism is more settled in a daily routine, you may find that if this routine is interrupted, he will become frustrated or confused. Repetitive behaviours are seen in childhood autism. Rocking, or hand clapping or flapping are quite common. Obsessive behaviours can also bee seen. The child may like to line toys up in a certain way, or may have to have a set routine for daily activities such as brushing teeth and hair. One more characteristic which doesn't really fir with any of the above. Childhood autism can also come with sensory difficulties. They may be over sensitive to touch, sound or the brightness of lights. Childhood autism resourcesFor more information on childhood autism check out these two books: Autism: Everything parents and carers should know about the disorder by Scott Boyd.And also: The essential guide to autism by Rachel Evans Return from characteristics for autism to baby's health page. Back to the New baby and beyond homepage.
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