Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - Characteristics and Traits
Below is a list of the dominant symptoms (characteristics/traits) of a person with ASD and some possible causal factors. Note however that "the nature and intensity of ASD symptoms can vary greatly between individuals, depending where on the ‘spectrum’ they lie". (Miles 2003)
It is important to note that individuals with Asperger (milder end of the ‘spectrum’) will display these characteristics and traits to a lesser degree than a person who is highly Autistic.
It is important to note that individuals with Asperger (milder end of the ‘spectrum’) will display these characteristics and traits to a lesser degree than a person who is highly Autistic.
Anxiety
Unable to interpret or understand social situations or read body language.
Constantly overwhelmed by sensory stimuli, particularly noise, light, fast movement.
Resistance to Change
Prefers predictable environment, routine and order.
Anger (Tantrums, aggression, destruction of property)
Unable to control or understand environment - leads to frustration.
Confusion
Often stemming from inability to read emotion and/or body language.
Inflexibility (refuses to accept change)
Prefers predictable timetable and established routines and rituals.
Obsessive Behaviour (singular interest, numerical fixation etc)
A ‘safe’ activity - something the individual can understand and/or relate to.
Often has a high level of skill or understanding of this activity or obsession.
Prefers to focus on this activity than to deal with people.
Unresponsiveness (blank expression, non-compliance)
Possible response to over-stimulation or sensory overload.
Isolation, withdrawal and avoidance
Response to sensory overload or to avoid social situations or school tasks.
Insensitivity to danger (risk-taking, failure to recognise authority)
Possible result of inability to respond to sensory stimuli or body language appropriately
Manipulation of people and objects (e.g. running away, arguing, negotiating)
Avoidance technique in response to behaviour incidents or expectations
Attention seeking (noises, swearing, calling out)
Inability to judge what is appropriate in certain social situations, lack of control.
Physical mannerisms (patterned, repetitive behaviour e.g. hand wringing or flapping, self-injurious habits)
Possible coping strategy or response to over-stimulation
Functional difficulties (dressing, eating, going out, going to toilet)
E.g. wanting to wear the same clothes each day.
Rituals and routines (timetables)
A response to their desire for order, and predictability, and reliable/ well-known people, places and circumstances.
Sensory Sensitivities (sounds, smells, tastes and touch etc.)
Examples include itchy clothing & labels, strong perfumes, fluorescent or flickering lights, loud, high-pitched sounds or voices.
Miles, 2003
Information on diagnosis is available from the Education Queensland website at http://education.qld.gov.au/students/disabilities/adjustment/verification/asd.html
Information on diagnosis is available from the Education Queensland website at http://education.qld.gov.au/students/disabilities/adjustment/verification/asd.html