Now, with more children being diagnosed with autism, many parents are curious as to the symptoms and characteristics of the disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-III outlines the diagnostic criteria for autism. Autism is a brain disorder characterized by impaired social communication and interaction as well as restricted or repetitive behaviors. Parents typically notice these symptoms within the rst 2 years of a child ’ s life. The main hallmark of autism is impaired social interaction. While in typical development, children seek out interaction with others, children with autism can either fail to be responsive to others or develop normally and then regress to becoming less responsive to those in his/her environment. It is common for children with autism to have poor eye contact as well as di culty understanding others emotions. Restricted or impaired communication is another characteristic of autism. Often children with autism have little or no verbal communication. They might have immediate echolalia or pronoun confusions. They can also have abnormal speech production, such as a high-pitch or monotone voice. Their nonverbal communication is also impaired, including their eye gaze, pointing, and gesturing. 01 . 19 . 12 Autism Spectrum Disorders Posted in Autism, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy Repetitive movements is another characteristic common in children with autism. This could include rocking, hand apping, spinning, or head banging. They can also have a restricted range of interest, such as lining up objects or spinning the wheels of a car. Like many disorders, children can exhibit a wide range of symptoms, and autism falls under a group of developmental disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Parents should have their child evaluated by a professional if they see any of the following signs: Di culty making friends or interacting with peers Di culty making conversation with others or taking turns in conversation Lack of social play and symbolic play or exhibits abnormal play Abnormal language form or content Preoccupation with parts or certain objects Marked lack of awareness of the feelings of others Di culty with transitions or strict adherence to routines Children with autism exhibit a wide range of behaviors including echolalia, idiosyncratic language, fascination with mechanical objects, or unusual motor behaviors. They have marked impairments in communication and should be seen by a speech-language pathologist trained in working with those with autism to improve their ability to interact with others in their daily lives. Please visit us at Speech & Occupational Therapy of North Texas Related Articles December 17, 2019 Family Support for Children & Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders March 7, 2016 Keyboarding or Handwriting January 31, 2012 Pragmatic Strategies for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders Speech & Occupational Therapy of North Texas Clinic Locations in Frisco, McKinney & Plano – and Serving the Surrounding Communities. Plano Clinic Location 1410 14th Street Plano, Texas 75074 Phone (972)424-0148 Fax (972)422-5275 Frisco Clinic Location 3880 Parkwood Blvd, Building 5, Suite 502 © 2026 Speech & OT of North Texas - All Rights Reserved. Site Powered by Argos Infotech Frisco, Texas 75034 Phone (972)424-0148 McKinney Clinic Location 2240 Bush Drive, Suite 200 McKinney, Texas 75070 Phone (972)424-0148