Autistic children have difficulty in social communication, language and interaction, restricted interests and repetitive behaviours. Children with autism often find difficulty in understanding what other people feel, think and say. In general, autistic children are poor communicators as they lack words, expressions, gestures and facial expressions. They are very sensitive too as they get easily disturbed by light, sounds and variations in temperature. The following are the symptoms associated with autism:
- Abnormal body movements – flapping of hands, pacing and rocking
- Lack of responsiveness to people
- Unusual attachment with objects
- Aggressive behaviours
- Rigid routines
- Self-injurious behaviour
- Inattentiveness to objects and people in the surroundings
- Inconsistent eye contact
- Rarely enjoy objects or activities
- Show lazy, sluggish or no response to call
- Show body movements, expressions and gestures that do not match with what is being said
- Make unusual voices
- Repeat words or phrases
- Show immensely focussed interest in objects
- Get easily upset by slight changes in a routine
- Exhibit restlessness, irritability
- Repetitive behaviours
- Having difficulties with the back and forth of conversation
- Show lasting interest in certain things
- Sleep disturbances