10 Common Symptoms of Autism

What is Autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person perceives and relates to the world around them. It is commonly described as a spectrum disorder, meaning that symptoms can vary widely from one individual to another. These variations can include differences in language skills, intellectual abilities, and the degree of impairment. For this reason, the official term used is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The diagnosis is primarily characterized by challenges in two core areas:

• Social communication

• Repetitive behaviors

Autism is a lifelong condition that begins at birth, although how it affects each individual can change over time, especially with the right support. Some people with autism may face significant challenges in daily life and require substantial assistance, while others may lead independent lives and function at a high level.

Differences Between Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Autism is a separate diagnosis from ADHD and intellectual disability, although these conditions often occur together. Both ADHD and Autism can involve difficulties with executive functioning, such as planning, organizing, and managing time, which is why they are sometimes confused.

However, the root causes and manifestations of these difficulties are often different. In ADHD, impulsivity and problems with maintaining focus tend to dominate. In contrast, Autism is more about processing information in a different way and having a strong need for structure and predictability.

The social challenges in Autism often stem from difficulties in interpreting and engaging in social situations in a typical way. In ADHD, social difficulties are more likely a result of impulsivity or inattention, leading to behaviors like interrupting, impatience, or missing subtle cues in conversations. In short, while social difficulties are a core feature of Autism, they are often secondary effects of other challenges in ADHD.

10 Common Signs of Autism

Here are ten common signs of Autism. Keep in mind that not everyone shows all of these signs, and the way they present can vary widely between individuals.

Here are ten common signs of Autism. Keep in mind that not everyone shows all of these signs, and the way they present can vary widely between individuals.

1. Difficulties with Social Interaction

People with Autism may find it hard to understand social cues, body language, and facial expressions. For example, they might struggle to know how to start a conversation or what is appropriate to say in different situations. This can lead to misunderstandings in social settings and make it harder to form and maintain relationships. As a result, individuals with Autism may spend more time alone or have a limited social circle.

2. Restricted Interests

A common trait in Autism is having intense and highly focused interests. These can range from trains, dinosaurs, or mathematics to art or psychology. The interest is often very specific and can last for long periods. The individual may spend a lot of time learning about and talking about their area of interest.

3. Repetitive Behaviors

People with Autism often show repetitive behaviors, such as flapping their fingers, spinning objects, or lining things up instead of using them in a “typical” way. Some may also repeat words or phrases. These behaviors can have a calming effect and often help individuals cope with stress or overwhelming stimuli.

4. Sensory Sensitivity

Many people with Autism are highly sensitive to sensory input like sound, light, smell, or touch. For example, loud noises may feel extremely unpleasant, or certain fabrics may be intolerable on the skin. These sensory experiences can become overwhelming and lead to significant stress — a phenomenon known as sensory overload.

5. Need for Routines

Individuals with Autism often prefer strict routines. Knowing what to expect provides a sense of safety and predictability. This might include specific morning routines or scheduled meal times. Changes in routine can be very stressful and disruptive for someone with Autism.

6. Difficulties with Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication

Some people with Autism may struggle with verbal expression or understanding nuances in others’ speech. This can include speaking in a monotone, missing sarcasm or irony, or seeing no point in small talk.

7. Unusual Eye Contact

People with Autism may avoid eye contact altogether or maintain it for longer than what is socially typical. This is a personal trait and not necessarily negative.

8. Challenges Understanding Others’ Emotions

It can be difficult for individuals with Autism to understand or anticipate how others are feeling. This doesn’t mean they lack empathy — rather, they may need more time to interpret emotions and social situations.

9. Unusual Ways of Processing Information

Autistic individuals may think differently or have a highly detail-focused perspective. This can make them particularly skilled in certain areas but may also present challenges in seeing the bigger picture.

10. Delayed or Unusual Language Development

Children with Autism may have delayed speech or develop language in a unique way. Some might use invented words that have specific meanings to them but are unclear to others. Others may speak in a more formal or “adult-like” way than expected for their age.