How is autism characterized?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by a combination of persistent difficulties in social interaction, communication, and behavior. Here are the main characteristics of ASD:

1. Social interaction difficulties: Individuals with ASD may have challenges understanding and responding to social cues, expressing emotions, and interacting with others. They may also have difficulty making friends and forming relationships.

2. Communication challenges: People with ASD may have difficulties with verbal and non-verbal communication. They may have limited speech and language skills, difficulty understanding the language of others, and challenges with pragmatic language (using language in social contexts).

3. Restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests: Individuals with ASD may engage in repetitive behaviors or activities, such as rocking back and forth, flapping their hands, or repeating phrases. They may also have intense and focused interests in specific topics or subjects.

4. Sensory processing differences: Many individuals with ASD have differences in how they perceive sensory information. They may be oversensitive or underresponsive to sensory stimuli, such as light, touch, sound, taste, or smell. This can lead to difficulties with sensory integration and may cause distress in certain environments.

5. Cognitive differences: Individuals with ASD may have strengths in certain cognitive areas, such as visual-spatial processing or attention to detail. However, they may also face challenges with executive functioning, including difficulty with planning, organizing, and managing time.

6. Developmental delays: Children with ASD may experience developmental delays in various areas, such as motor skills, language, and social development. These delays can vary in severity and may become more evident as the child grows.

It's important to note that autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that the symptoms and characteristics can vary widely from person to person. Not everyone with ASD will exhibit all of these characteristics, and the severity of the symptoms can range from mild to severe.