1. Difficulty making or maintaining eye contact:
People with autism often find it difficult to maintain eye contact when speaking, which can be a sign of difficulty in social communication.
2. Trouble interpreting non-verbal cues:
Individuals with autism may have difficulty understanding the facial expressions and gestures used by others as a form of communication.
3. Preferring routines and schedules:
Having a routine is comforting for some people with autism, who may become highly distressed when their daily activities are altered or interrupted.
4. Sensitivity to sensory stimuli:
People on the autistic spectrum can experience intense sensitivity to certain sounds, smells, tastes, textures, and even bright lights, which can cause discomfort or distress.
5. Avoiding physical contact:
People with autism may not enjoy physical contact, such as hugs, which can be perceived as intrusive or uncomfortable.
6. Repetitive behaviors:
Individuals on the autism spectrum often engage in repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping, rocking, and eyebrow twitching, which are thought to help them manage stress or anxiety.
7. Difficulties making or sustaining friendships:
People with autism often struggle to make and maintain friendships due to difficulties understanding social rules and interpreting non-verbal cues that indicate someone’s emotions or feelings.
8. Struggles with communication:
Autism can lead to impairments in verbal and non-verbal communication, including difficulty forming sentences, using an appropriate tone of voice, and understanding what others are saying.