Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms vary. There are different mixes of symptoms. The severity of ASD can also vary. Most symptoms will appear before 3 years of age. Most show between 18 to 24 months.

ASD may cause a loss of some development that was already reached. It can also prevent or slow new development. Symptoms may be:

• Social skills problems
• Language and communication
• Problem behaviors
• Sensory processing problems

ASD can cause a wide range of behaviors such as:

• Social skills problems, such as:
  • Little interaction or listening to others
  • No eye contact
  • Not imitating others
  • Wanting to play alone
• Language and communication problems, such as:
  • Little or no speaking
  • No response to name
  • Repetitive language, words, and echo words
  • Use of language in unusual ways
• Problem behaviors, such as:
  • Aggression
  • Repetitive behaviors—may spend hours with a single activity such as rocking or flapping a hand
  • Hyperactivity
  • Self-destructive behavior
  • Tantrums—can be with little or no prodding
• Sensory processing problems, such as:
  • Staring at certain objects for a long time
  • Overreaction to small changes in their environment
  • Sensitivity to sound, smell, taste, sights, and touch
  • Feel pain from a light touch, but ignore more severe pain
  • Experience sounds as colors, and touches as sounds

Children and their families may benefit from early, intense treatment.