2.WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ASD?

          In both children and adults, the signs and symptoms of the autism spectrum disorders include problems with social skills, speech and language, and restricted activities and interests. Keep in mind that just because your child has a few autism-like symptoms, it doesn’t mean he or she has an autism spectrum disorder.

SOCIAL SKILLS

          Basic social interaction can be difficult for children with autism spectrum disorders. Symptoms may include

• Unusual or inappropriate body language, gestures, and facial expressions (e.g. avoiding eye contact or using facial expressions that don’t match what he or she is saying),
• Lack of interest in other people or in sharing interests or achievements (e.g. showing you a drawing, pointing to a bird), 
• Prefers to be alone
  
  
• Unlikely to approach others or to pursue social interaction,
• Comes across as aloof and detached, 
• Difficulty understanding other people’s feelings, 
• Reactions, and nonverbal cues,
• Resistance to being touched and
• Difficulty or failure to make friends with children the same age.

SPEECH AND LANGUAGE

        Problems with speech and language comprehension are a telltale sign of the autism spectrum disorders. Symptoms may include

• Delay in learning how to speak (after the age of two) or doesn’t talk at all, 
• Speaking in an abnormal tone of voice, or with an odd rhythm or pitch, 
• Repeating words or phrases over and over without communicative intent, 
• Trouble starting a conversation or keeping it going, 
• Difficulty communicating needs or desires, 
• Doesn’t understand simple statements or questions, 
• Taking what is said too literally and
• Missing humor, irony, and sarcasm.

RESTRICTED BEHAVIOR AND PLAY

        Children with autism spectrum disorders are often restricted, rigid, and even obsessive in their behaviors, activities, and interests. Symptoms are Repetitive body movements (hand flapping, rocking, spinning) moving constantly, Obsessive attachment to unusual objects (rubber bands, keys, light switches),  Preoccupation with a specific topic of interest, often involving numbers or symbols (maps, license plates, sports statistics), A strong need for sameness, order, and routines (e.g. lines up toys, follows a rigid schedule). Gets upset by change in their routine or environment. Clumsiness, abnormal posture, or odd ways of moving, Fascinated by spinning objects, moving pieces, or parts of toys (e.g. spinning the wheels on a race car, instead of playing with the whole car).