Autism-Symptoms

A. A total of six (or more) items from (1), (2), and (3), with at
    least two from (1), and one each from (2) and (3)

    (1) qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by
    at least two of the following:

    a) marked impairments in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors
    such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body posture, and
    gestures to regulate social interaction

    b) failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to
    developmental level

    c) a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or
    achievements with other people, (e.g., by a lack of showing,
    bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people)

    d) lack of social or emotional reciprocity ( note: in the
    description, it gives the following as examples: not actively
    participating in simple social play or games, preferring solitary
    activities, or involving others in activities only as tools or
    "mechanical" aids )

    (2) qualitative impairments in communication as manifested by at
    least one of the following:

    a) delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language
    (not accompanied by an attempt to compensate through alternative
    modes of communication such as gesture or mime)

    b) in individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the
    ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others

    c) stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic
    language

    d) lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social
    imitative play appropriate to developmental level

    (3) restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior,
    interests and activities, as manifested by at least two of the
    following:

    a) encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and
    restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in
    intensity or focus

    b) apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional
    routines or rituals

    c) stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g hand or finger
    flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)

    d) persistent preoccupation with parts of objects

    B. Delays or abnormal functioning in at least one of the following
    areas, with onset prior to age 3 years:

    (1) social interaction

    (2) language as used in social communication

    (3) symbolic or imaginative play

    C. The disturbance is not better accounted for by Rett's Disorder
    or Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

        Autism is frequently described as being �behind glass,� � experiencing the world differently and being there, yet, also different and not exactly fitting in- just as someone behind glass would be- seen and yet unable to fully participate. Other common characteristics are (these are less common to high-functioning Autism):

• Repetitive behavior/stimming
• Resists change
• Lack of response to people
• Echolia
• Little or no eye contact
• Absence of regular play
• Delayed speech development
• Difficulty in expression
• Tantrums
• Prefers to be alone
• Hypersensitivity or lack of sensitivity to senses
• Eats only certain types of foods
• Spinning
• Distressed by things regarded minor by others
• Lack of imaginative play
• Desire to follow a set routine
• Hand flapping
• Rocking
• Delayed echolia
• Lack of interaction with others