Behavior Characteristics of Autism

The behavior characteristics of autism can vary widely from one child to another.

Autism refers to a broad range of neurological disorders that affect the brain, particularly in reference to behavior and social skills. In most cases, the behavior characteristics of autism will begin to show before a child celebrates his or her third birthday. Autism can manifest itself from mild to extreme degrees, so each child must be treated as an individual.

Those who are unfamiliar with the behavior characteristics of autism are often puzzled when they come across a child who has autism. The key to understanding is education, and this is certainly an essential part of opening a child's world. Once caregivers, educators, family, friends, and even strangers understand a bit more about what autism is and how autistic behavior is displayed, a greater chance they have to encourage appropriate behavior and social interaction.

The following is a list of characteristics associated with autism. Keep in mind that not all of these behaviors may be exhibited by one individual.

• Avoids eye contact with others
• Looks for repetition, which can be found in phrases, rhythms, visual objects, numbers, etc.
• Has difficulty socializing and communicating with others
• Mimics others speech, words, etc.
• Avoids physical contact
• Responds inappropriately, either with words or noises, such as laughing
• Does not adapt well to change, likes schedules and routines
• Doesn't show fear
• Prefers solitude
• Likes repetitive motions
• Has difficulty sleeping
• Shows aggressive behavior toward self and others
• Lacks the ability to concentrate or doesn't show interest in learning new skills
• Exhibits an obsession with certain objects
• Doesn't understand figurative references, may only perceive words and ideas in a literal sense
• Is unable to share
• Finds it difficult to communicate with peers
• Has problem understanding sentence syntax
• Has difficulty controlling emotions, may have emotional outbursts

Because autism has gotten more publicity in recent years, many parents are actually aware of what signs to look for as they try to determine if their child might have autism. Again, these signs can vary, and determining autistic behaviors in infants can be difficult. However, the following characteristics could be warning signs, and if you notice these, contact your pediatrician with your suspicions.

• Extreme behaviors, such as crying often or not crying enough
• Feeding difficulties, which could include a poor sucking reflex
• Appearing to be ambivalent about her surroundings, not showing emotions such as excitement, joy, fear, etc.
• Lack of response to others, including avoiding eye contact, not turning toward sounds, etc.
• Delayed speech; does not babble by the first birthday; may not form simple phrases by age two
• Regression in development-The child may have been developing normally, but all of a sudden a pronounced regression is noticed.

Many people associate autism with the movie Rainman. Dustin Hoffman played an autistic individual with savant skills. While this is certainly a fascinating subject, autistic savants make up only about 10 percent of individuals with autism. Savants usually exhibit an extreme skill in a specific area, such as art, numbers, music, memory, etc. They may be unable to interact socially, but they are considered a genius in the area in which they excel.

Because autism and autism spectrum disorders, such as Asperger's Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified PDD-NOS, can vary so widely in behavioral and social problems, parents who suspect their child might be autistic and those who have a child who has been diagnosed with autism must build a wide support system. There are numerous agencies devoted to this condition, including support groups and message boards. For more information on the characteristics associated with autism, please visit the following sites:

• Autism and PPD Support
• Autism Society
• Autism Support Daily

• Preschool Activities for Autistic Children
• Possible Causes of Autism
• Tips for Raising Kids with Autism
• What Is Your Autism Empathy Rating?

• Lesson Plans for Autistic Children
• Adult Autism Symptoms
• Social Skills Activities for Kids with Autism
• Speech Therapy Ideas for Autistic Children
• Famous Autistic People

• Autism in Infants
• Autism and Video Modeling
• Asperger Syndrome Behavior
• Facts About Autism
• Childhood Autism Rating Scale