Autism has a wide variety of characteristics ranging in intensity from mild to severe. One child with autism does not behave like another child with the same diagnosis. Children and adolescents with autism typically:

 

• Have difficulty communicating with others.
• Exhibit repetitious behaviors, such as rocking back and forth, head banging, or touching or twirling objects.
• Have a limited range of interests and activities.
• May become upset by a small change in their environment or daily routine.

In addition to these characteristics, some children with autism experience hypersensitivity to hearing, touch, smell, or taste. Symptoms of autism can be seen in early infancy, but the condition also may appear after months of normal development. In most cases, however, it is not possible to identify a specific event that triggers the disorder.
 

Autism Awareness