Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder

As with other spectrum disorders, the characteristics and severity of Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD differ with each individual student.  The following are categories of some of the more common distinguishing factors; however, rather than being distinct, they occur in consort against the ASD individual.  For example, a lack of eye contact negatively affects social relationships.  But poor eye contact may be caused by a need to reduce visual stimuli, rather than a lack of understanding of this skill’s social importance.

The correlating cautionary note is this one:  the presence of any of these symptoms does not necessarily mean a person has ASD.  It is a matter of degree, and the extent to which the symptoms negatively impact daily living skills.