Common Characteristics in Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Communication:

• Language is significantly delayed
• Some do not develop spoken language
• Experience difficulty with both expressive and receptive language
• Difficulty initiating or sustaining conversations
• Robotic, formal speech
• Repetitive use of language
• Difficulty with the pragmatic use of language

 

Socialization:

• Difficulty developing peer relationships
• Difficulty with give and take of social interactions
• Lack of spontaneous sharing of enjoyment
• Impairments in use and understanding of body language to regulate social interaction
• May not be motivated by social reciprocity or shared give-and-take

 

Restrictive/Repetitive Behavior:

• Preoccupations atypical in intensity or focus
• Inflexibility related to routines and rituals
• Stereotyped movements
• Preoccupations with parts of objects
• Impairments in symbolic play

 

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