The characteristics of autism can vary from person to person and across different environments. They can also be different for the same person at different times in their life. T

The characteristics of autism can be categorized into three main groups:

social interaction

social communication

social imagination

The first signs of autism may appear in a child under the age of two, while in some children the condition may not be detected until they are older

.Social interaction

An autistic person may find it hard to relate to other people. They may:

show little or no interest in other people

find it difficult to make friends

not seek affection in the usual way or resist physical contact such as kissing and cuddling

find it difficult to make eye contact with other people

want to have social contact, but have difficulty knowing how to initiate it

not understand other people’s emotions and have difficulty managing their own emotions

prefer to spend time alone

Social communication

An autistic individual may experience challenges with both verbal and non-verbal communication, and some individuals may never develop verbal language skills. Autistic people who do speak may use speech in an overcomplicated way, using odd phrases or odd choices of words.

They may also make up their own words or phrases and use more words than are necessary to explain simple things. Someone with autism may also have difficulty:

expressing themselves well

understanding gestures, facial expressions or tones of voice

using gestures to communicate

understanding instructions

Some people with autismmay develop echolalia, where they repeat words that have little meaning or repeat what has been said to them.

Social imagination

Children with autism  may:

have limited imaginative play

play the same games over and over, or play with games designed for children younger than themselves

get upset if their daily routines are interrupted in any way

show repetitive behaviours, such as hand flapping or spinning

In addition, children and adults may also develop obsessions – for example, with specific objects, lists, timetables or routines.

Sensory difficulties

Most people with autismalso have sensory difficulties. This means they may be oversensitive to things like touch, certain textures, light levels, or sound.

Sensory difficulties can also lead to problems with movement. A person with ASD may appear clumsy or have an unusual way of walking.

Asperger syndrome

Asperger syndrome is another form of autism. People with Asperger syndrome will generally not have a learning disability and are often of average or above-average intelligence.

They will usually have fewer problems with language development but may still experience difficulties with social communication.

Asperger syndrome is often diagnosed later in children, and sometimes their difficulties may not be recognised and diagnosed until adulthood. This can cause a delay in getting appropriate support for the individual and their family.