Co-occurring Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a spectrum complex disorders characterized (in varying degrees) by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. ASD is a pervasive developmental disorder that delays the development of basic skills, including the ability to socialize, communicate and develop independent living skills. The exact cause of ASD isn’t known, but research suggests genetics and environment play important roles. Boys are more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than girls, however, there’s currently a debate regarding the under diagnosis of girls on the spectrum due to their higher rate of rule compliance.
Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), there are two types of main behaviors: “restricted/repetitive behaviors” and “social communication/interaction behaviors.”
Restrictive/repetitive actions may include:
- Repeating certain actions or displaying unusual behaviors
- Having overly focused interests, such as moving objects or parts of objects
- Having a constant, intense interest in certain areas of interest
Social communication/interaction behaviors may include:
- Getting upset by a slight change in a routine or being in a new or overly stimulating setting
- Making little or inconsistent eye contact
- Tending to look at and listen to people less often
- Rarely sharing enjoyment of objects or activities by pointing or showing things to others
- Responding in an unusual way when others show anger, distress, or affection
- Failing to, or being slow to, respond to someone calling their name or other verbal attempts
- Having difficulties with the back and forth of conversations
- Talking at length about favorite subjects without noticing that others are not interested or without giving others a chance to respond
- Repeating words or phrases that they hear, a behavior called echolalia
- Using words that seem odd, out of place, or have a special meaning known only to those familiar with that person’s way of communicating
- Having facial expressions, movements, and gestures that don’t align with what’s being said
- Having an unusual tone of voice that may sound singsong or flat and robot-like
- Having trouble understanding another person’s point of view or being unable to predict or understand other people’s actions.
