Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a group of complex disorders of brain development. This condition are characterized in varying degrees by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. The main area of difficulty are in social and communication skill, and restricted behaviors. There is no single symptom for ASD because there are several signs that could suggest autism.
Behavioral Signs
- Unusual interests or attachments
- Unusual motor movements such as spinning, walking on tiptoes, hand flapping
- Unusual distress reaction to some everyday sounds
- Difficulty coping with change
- Preoccupation with certain textures or prevents specific textures
- Unusual plays with objects like repetitive spinning or lining up
- No pretend games such as feeding a doll, driving a car, etc.
Communication and Social Interaction
- Not responding to his name by 12 months
- Not pointing or waving by 12 months
- Not imitating simple motor movements such as clapping hands
- Prefers to play alone
- No or lack of interest in other children
- No return smile
- Has his own world
- Has very limited social play
- Unusual language pattern or repetitive speech
- Lost of words previously used