Post by momofautistic on Feb 25, 2005 23:51:02 GMT -5
Three Areas of Concern
There are three main areas of observable symptoms that characterize autism. Some of the symptoms may be mild, others more obvious.
These areas are:
1. Social interaction
A person with an autism spectrum disorder may not use or understand non-verbal communication, or they may not develop peer relationships that are appropriate to his or her developmental level. Often, there is a noticeable lack of emotional reciprocity (you smile at them and they do not smile back). Adults with autism may appear aloof and indifferent to others, children like they are wrapped up "in their own little world."
2. Communication
There is a significant delay in, or a total lack of speech development, with no corresponding attempts to communicate by gestures. An autistic individual may have difficulties in sustaining or initiating conversation, or they may use language in a repetitive manner, talking about the same topic over and over again.
3. Behavior and Interests
Restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities are a hallmark of autism. An individual with autism or a related disorder may have an intense preoccupation with one subject area or interest. They may have nonfunctional, rigid rituals or routines. In children, there is a lack of make-believe or social imitative play. Repetitive motor mannerisms, such as hand flapping or spinning of objects, may also exist
There are three main areas of observable symptoms that characterize autism. Some of the symptoms may be mild, others more obvious.
These areas are:
1. Social interaction
A person with an autism spectrum disorder may not use or understand non-verbal communication, or they may not develop peer relationships that are appropriate to his or her developmental level. Often, there is a noticeable lack of emotional reciprocity (you smile at them and they do not smile back). Adults with autism may appear aloof and indifferent to others, children like they are wrapped up "in their own little world."
2. Communication
There is a significant delay in, or a total lack of speech development, with no corresponding attempts to communicate by gestures. An autistic individual may have difficulties in sustaining or initiating conversation, or they may use language in a repetitive manner, talking about the same topic over and over again.
3. Behavior and Interests
Restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities are a hallmark of autism. An individual with autism or a related disorder may have an intense preoccupation with one subject area or interest. They may have nonfunctional, rigid rituals or routines. In children, there is a lack of make-believe or social imitative play. Repetitive motor mannerisms, such as hand flapping or spinning of objects, may also exist
