Autism Spectrum Disorder

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability. There is a wide range of ability among children and adults with autism. Some people with autism need significant levels of support while others are high-functioning. There is no known cause of autism and no singular form of assistance for autism.

Signs of Autism

Social Communication & Interaction

• Difficulty establishing or maintaining back-and forth conversations and interactions
• Inability to initiate an interaction
• Difficulty with shared attention or sharing of emotions and interests with others
• Atypical eye contact, posture, facial expressions, tone of voice and gestures, as well as an inability to understand these
• Lack of interest in other people
• Difficulties in pretend play
• Engaging in age-appropriate social activities
• Challenges adjusting to different social expectations

Restrictive & Repetitive Behavior

• Stereotyped or repetitive speech, motor movements or use of objects
• Excessive adherence to routines
• Ritualized patterns of verbal or nonverbal behavior
• Excessive resistance to change
• Highly restricted interests that are atypical in intensity or focus
• Hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input or unique interest in sensory aspects of the environment

There is no single behavior that is always present in every individual with autism.