Below are some of the most commonly observed characteristics of autism/ASD.

Of course, no one will display all of these behaviours.  There is no set percentage of symptoms required in order to diagnose someone with autism.  This list, therefore is merely a guideline. 

• Love of routines/schedules   
• Needing to stick to rigid rituals
• Sensory sensitivity to certain textures, smells, movemts, sounds, tastes, visual patterns or lights - they might display intense interest or aversion.
• Special interests
• Obsessions with certain topics
• Unusual attachment to objects
• Repetitive behaviours (such as hand flapping, body rocking, or finger flicking)
• Gets stuck doing the same thing over and over
• Lacking in social skills
• Displaying inappropriate social behaviours and not following unwritten social rules
• Seems to prefer to be alone
• Not paying attention to others
• Difficulty in making and keeping friendships
• Difficulty understanding what you say
• Difficulty in knowing when to start or end a conversation
• Difficulty with eye contact
• Difficulty with nonverbal body language such as gestures and facial expression
• Lacking in facial expressions or gestures
• Difficulty using the correct pronouns such as “I” and “you”
• Difficulty telling you what they want or need
• Difficulty making conversation
• Tendency to take things literally
• Difficulty understanding jokes, metaphor, sarcasm
• Being awkward and ill at ease in a social situation
• Unusual or challenging behaviours in response to their confusion and stress
• Other learning difficulties 
• Outstanding skills in certain areas

For a fuller list of possible characteristics, click here.

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