What Are the Three Main Symptoms of Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect each person quite differently. That’s why, in fact, it’s referred to today as ASD — because there is such a wide spectrum of how people are affected by it.

Children who have ASD are born with it, and it is a lifelong condition that they cannot grow out of. There are proven and highly effective treatment plans such as applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy) that address the symptoms of autism.

The earlier that a diagnosis can be made, the more effective the treatment plan is likely to be. That’s why there’s such an emphasis today on early identification of autism, through a combination of parental observation, professional evaluation and screening tools.

But, what should parents look for in their child in regard to autism? Below, we explain the three main symptoms of autism.

Table Of Contents

One: Difficulties with Social Interaction and Communication

Children who are on the autism spectrum frequently face challenges when it comes to social interaction and social communication. While some of these signs may not manifest themselves until later in life, there are definitely things to look out for from an early age.

In terms of social interactions, children with autism could have troubling starting conversations or taking turns speaking, sharing emotions or interests with others, and being able to understand how another person is feeling or what they’re thinking.

In terms of communication, children with ASD may have difficulty establishing eye contact, understanding nonverbal cues such as facial expressions and body language, and regulating the tone of their voice.

All of these symptoms could make it more difficult for them to establish and maintain meaningful relationships — or even grasp the importance of them. That’s because children with autism could struggle expressing their feelings and seeking out comfort from other people, playing with their peers or making friends and understanding personal space and boundaries.

They also may frequently get overwhelmed when they’re in social scenarios.

Two: Repetitive Behaviors and Restrictive Interests

The second category of symptoms of ASD is engaging in repetitive behaviors and having restrictive interests. During evaluation for ASD, a child must display two of four types of behaviors, at least.

The first three of those behaviors fit under the general category of repetitive behaviors and restrictive interests.

First, they must engage in repetitive movements, speech or play patterns. This could be lining their toys up in rows or flipping switches repeatedly. It could be imitating the speech of another person, or repeating phrases or words. Or, it could be repeatedly engaging in self-stimulatory behaviors such as spinning, rocking or flapping their hands.

Second, they must insist that they stick to the same routine every day or at least a similar routine. If even minor changes are made to this routine, they may become extremely distressed. This could also include ritualistic behaviors such as touching objects over and over again in the same order.

Third, their interests must be highly focused and intense. Oftentimes, what they are interested in are very narrow topics, and they gain a lot of knowledge and insight about that aspect of the topic.

Three: Sensory Sensitivities

Sensory sensitivities are actually the fourth behavior that professionals must identify as part of an evaluation to give an official diagnosis. We break that out into a separate section here, though, because it’s so common in children with autism.

There are two main types of sensory sensitivities. Hypersensitivity refers to being overly sensitive to sensory stimulation, while hyposensitivity is the opposite.

Generally speaking, sensory sensitivities are defined as having an unusual sensitivity to different stimuli, such as sound, texture, light, touch or smell. Those who are hypersensitive may become easily overwhelmed when certain stimuli are present, while those who are hyposensitive may seek out that specific sensory input.

For example, hypersensitive individuals may feel stressed and anxious quickly if they encounter bright lights or loud sounds. By contrast, individuals who are hyposensitive may seek out sensory input from certain textures, rubbing up against walls or running their hands over bumpy books and textures.

Sensory sensitivities could also mean a child with autism lacks sensitivity to things such as temperature or pain, which could be dangerous.

Blue Gems ABA Treats All Symptoms of Autism

ASD is a wide-ranging neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect different individuals in very different ways. At the same time, there are three main symptoms of autism that most people who are on the spectrum are faced with.

At Blue Gems ABA, our team of experienced professionals treat all the symptoms of autism by administering ABA therapy on a one-to-one basis. By following the principles of this evidence-based approach to learning and behavior, we’re able to help children build the social, communication and daily life skills with which they typically struggle.

To learn more, please contact us today.