People with autism spectrum disorders may exhibit some of the following traits. However, it is important to remember that each person is an individual and not all of the listed characteristics will be seen in every person with autism spectrum disorder.  The Autism Society of America once listed the following characteristics for autism spectrum disorders:

Insistence on sameness; resistance to change

Difficulty in expressing needs; uses gestures or pointing instead of words

Repeating words or phrases in place of normal, responsive language

Laughing, crying, showing distress for reasons not apparent to others

Prefers to be alone; aloof manner

Tantrums

Difficulty in mixing with others

May not want to cuddle or be cuddled

Little or no eye contact

Unresponsive to normal teaching methods

Sustained odd play

Spins objects

Inappropriate attachments to objects

Apparent over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to pain

No real fears of danger

Noticeable physical over-activity or extreme under-activity

Uneven gross/fine motor skills

Not responsive to verbal cues; acts as if deaf although hearing tests in normal range

Characteristics, of course, vary in every person.  One book, that is a great read, helps us to see the unique qualities that each individual with autism brings to the table. More about this book from our affiliate can be found by clicking on the book.