Signs of Autism

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental condition that affects how a person communicates and interacts with others. The signs of autism can vary widely but generally include difficulties in social interaction, communication challenges, and repetitive behaviors. Here are some common signs:

In Children:

• Social Interaction: Difficulty understanding social cues, avoiding eye contact, and preferring to play alone.
• Communication: Delayed speech development, trouble starting or maintaining conversations, and using repetitive language.
• Behavior: Engaging in repetitive movements (like hand-flapping), having specific routines, and being highly focused on particular interests.

In Adults:

• Social Interaction: Finding it hard to understand what others are thinking or feeling, getting very anxious about social situations, and preferring to be alone¹².
• Communication: Taking things very literally, not understanding sarcasm or idiomatic expressions, and finding it hard to express feelings².
• Behavior: Having a strong preference for routines, noticing small details that others might miss, and having intense interests in specific topics²³.

Autism can present differently in women, who might be better at masking their symptoms to fit in socially². If you suspect that you or someone you know might be on the autism spectrum, it’s important to seek a professional evaluation for a proper diagnosis and support.