What is autism
                     WHAT IS AUTISM?
WHAT IS AUTISM 
SPECTRUM 
DISORDER?
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a 
complex developmental condition that 
involves  persistent challenges  in social 
interaction, speech and nonverbal 
communication, and restricted/repetitive 
behaviors. 
Source: www.psychiatry.org 
CHARACTERISTICS 
OF AUTISM 
SPECTRUM 
DISORDERS
• Autism differs from person to person in 
severity and combinations of symptoms. 
There is a great range of abilities and 
characteristics of children with autism 
spectrum disorder no two children appear 
or behave the same way.
Source: www.psychiatry.org 
SYMPTOMS
• Some children show signs of autism 
spectrum disorder in early infancy, such 
as reduced eye contact, lack of response 
to their name or indifference to 
caregivers. 
• Other children may develop normally for 
the first few months or years of life, but 
then suddenly become withdrawn or 
aggressive or lose language skills they've 
already acquired. 
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
CHARACTERISTICS OF 
AUTISM SPECTRUM 
DISORDER 
SOCIAL 
INTERACTION AND 
COMMUNICATION 
PROBLEMS
• Fails to respond to his or her name or 
appears not to hear you at times
• Resists cuddling and holding, and seems 
to prefer playing alone, retreating into his 
or her own world
• Has poor eye contact and lacks facial 
expression
• Doesn't speak or has delayed speech, or 
loses previous ability to say words or 
sentences
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
SOCIAL 
INTERACTION AND 
COMMUNICATION 
PROBLEMS CONT.
• Doesn't appear to understand simple 
questions or directions
• Doesn't express emotions or feelings and 
appears unaware of others' feelings
• Doesn't point at or bring objects to share 
interest
• Inappropriately approaches a social 
interaction by being passive, aggressive 
or disruptive
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
RESTRICTED AND 
REPETITIVE 
PATTERNS OF 
BEHAVIORS
• Performs repetitive movements, such as 
rocking, spinning or hand flapping
• Performs activities that could cause self-
harm, such as biting or head-banging
• Develops specific routines or rituals and 
becomes disturbed at the slightest 
change
Source: www.psychiatry.org 
RESTRICTED AND 
REPETITIVE 
PATTERNS OF 
BEHAVIORS CONT.
• Is unusually sensitive to light, sound or 
touch, yet may be indifferent to pain or 
temperature
• Doesn't engage in imitative or make-
believe play
• Fixates on an object or activity with 
abnormal intensity or focus
Source: www.psychiatry.org 
DIAGNOSIS AND 
RISK FACTORS
• Early diagnosis and treatment are 
important to reducing the symptoms of 
autism and improving the quality of life 
for people with autism and their families. 
There is no medical test for autism.
Source: www.psychiatry.org 
CAUSES
• Genetics: Several different genes appear 
to be involved in autism spectrum 
disorder. 
• Environmental factors: Researchers are 
currently exploring whether factors such 
as viral infections, medications or 
complications during pregnancy, or air 
pollutants play a role in triggering autism 
spectrum disorder.
Source: www.psychiatry.org