Physical Characteristics of Autism
From LoveToKnow Autism
In some cases, there are not any visible physical characteristics of autism, while in other instances, the presence of autism is easily recognizable.
Signs of Autism
Can you look at a person and immediately notice that he or she is autistic? In many cases, the answer is "no"…at least until you try to communicate with that person. autism has so many levels and can be so vastly different from one person to another, that pinpointing the exact physical characteristic that gives the condition away is often impossible. Often, the first indication that a person is autistic is when he speaks or when he won't make eye contact.
On one hand, those with autism may make repetitive motions, like touching their foreheads repeatedly with their hands, hitting their desks, or tapping their pencils. While these actions aren't necessarily indications of autism, they might be if the motion becomes annoying to those around them, and if the person is oblivious to the irritation they are becoming to others.
The signs of autism can vary but often include the following:
- Inability to interact socially
- Difficulty in or refusal to make eye contact
- Repetitive motions
- Inappropriate comments, outbursts, etc.
- Inability to sustain a conversation
- Inappropriate word choice
- Abnormal preoccupation with particular objects
- Difficulty adapting to changes in routine
Some Physical Characteristics of Autism
While there are numerous signs and symptoms that may indicate autism, physical characteristics are harder to define. Some possible physical characteristics, however, include the following:
- Low facial muscle tone
- Large eyes (often perceived this way because of pupil dilation)
- Pale skin
- Head banging
- Ear slapping
- Impaired motor skills
In many cases, the first indication of autism may be of a physical nature in babies and toddlers. Children with autism may develop at a slower rate physically. They may sit up, roll over, crawl, and walk significantly later than other babies of the same age. Their language skills may be extremely low as well. The lack of social interaction and responses, such as smiling, laughing, and making eye contact, may be another indication that they are autistic.
Impaired Motor Skills
While many people with autism may not exhibit motor skill difficulties, others struggle with either their gross motor skills, fine motor skills, or both. Gross motor skills refer to larger activities, such as walking and running, while small motor skills refer to more precision oriented actions, such as playing the guitar, crocheting, drawing, or painting.
Fine Motor Skills
Difficulties with fine motor skills can be extremely frustrating for autistic children. Because they may have difficulty writing, coloring, manipulating puzzle pieces, and other common classroom activities, they may need to use a computer keyboard instead. If a keyboard isn't available, other accommodations should be considered, such as more time to complete a task, additional help, etc.
In some cases, the difficulty stems from the child's need to make repetitive movements. If they are otherwise engaged in a more precise activity that involves concentration and finesse, they become frustrated because they are unable to do the familiar repetition of twirling their fingers, tapping their desks, tapping their forehead, etc.
Gross Motor Skills
Difficulties in gross motor skills are even more noticeable. Autistic children may not be able to walk normally, and instead walk in a sort-of stumbling gait, putting weight on their toes, which could contribute to abnormal muscle development in their lower legs.
Finally, it is important to remember that these characteristics can differ significantly from one person to another. In many cases, therapy can make a difference in the physical characteristics of autism.
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