Signs and Symptoms

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The National Health Service of the UK provides a nice list. Generally these signs are noticeable before the age of six. For them to be included, the symptom should be observable in more than one situation such as at home and at school.

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The following is a more detailed list of symptoms often found within the “spectrum”.

 

Social - Communication

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• Non-verbal Communication

  • Avoid eye contact

  • Not respond to their name (as if the child does not hear)

  • Have no interest in playing with peers

  • Have limited to no social skills

  • Have difficulty understanding other people’s feelings

  • Have difficulty in showing their own feelings

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• Verbal Communication

  • Have no speech or delayed speech

  • Reverse pronouns (e.g., says “you” instead of “I”)

  • Repeat words or phrases over and over

  • Repeat what is said to them (echolalia)

  • Give unrelated answers to questions

 

Behavioral

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• General Behavior

  • Get upset by minor changes

  • Have unusual eating and sleeping habits

  • Exhibit aggression

  • Flap their hands, rock their body, or spin in circles

  • Want to be alone

  • Avoid or resist physical contact

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• Interest and Focus

  • Not play “pretend” games

  • Not point at objects or things of interest, or demonstrate interest

  • Exhibit unusual interests and behaviors

  • Have obsessive interests

  • Line up toys or other objects

  • Play with toys the same way every time

  • Like parts of objects (e.g., wheels)

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• Fear and Danger

  • Demonstrate little safety or danger awareness

  • Lack of fear or more fear than expected

  • Causing self injury

  • Have extreme anxiety and phobias

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• Sensory/Emotional 

  • Have unusual reactions (over or under-sensitivity) to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel

  • Meltdowns

  • Unusual mood or emotional reactions

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• Attention 

  • Short attention span

  • Hyperactivity (very active)

  • Impulsivity (acting without thinking)