ASD describes a developmental disability ranging in severity from mild to severe in areas of social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. Obvious signs of ASD usually appear between ages two and three years. Frequently occurring ASD symptoms include the following:

Social Interaction

• Failing to respond to name, affection or gestures
• Difficulty playing social games and preferring to play alone
• Difficulty regulating emotion and frustration and becoming disruptive or aggressive
• Trouble interpreting what others think and feel

Communication

• Not following the normal “give-and-take” of conversation
• Trouble identifying sarcasm
• Difficulty understanding body language
• Making little or no eye contact
• Possibly repeating or echoing words or phrases

Behaviors

• Placing toys or objects in a fixed order instead of playing with objects
• Requiring rigid consistency in environment and daily routine
• Developing extreme interests
• Displaying repetitive motions such as hand flapping, rocking or twirling