What are the Behavioral Characteristics of Children with Autism

Autism

Explore the behavioral characteristics of a child with autism, from social skills to sensory sensitivities.

Steven Zauderer

September 10, 2024

9 min read

min read

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex developmental condition with varying degrees of impact on an individual's social interaction, communication, and behaviors. Recognizing the behavioral characteristics of a child with autism is crucial for early intervention and management of the condition.

Overview of Autism Spectrum

Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a lifelong condition typically appearing during early childhood. It affects a person's ability to communicate, socialize, and interact with others. The spectrum in ASD refers to the wide range of symptoms and behaviors that can vary in severity from person to person.

Children with ASD often experience challenges with social communication and interaction, as well as restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests, which can make daily life very challenging for them.

ASD affects individuals across all races, ethnic groups, and socioeconomic backgrounds, with boys being four times more likely to be affected than girls. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 1 in every 54 children in the U.S. has been identified as having ASD.

Early Signs of ASD

Behavioral signs of ASD often manifest early in development, with many children displaying symptoms by 12 to 18 months of age or even earlier [3]. These early signs may include:

Delayed speech and language skills
Repetitive behaviors or unusual interests
Difficulty making eye contact or holding a conversation
Difficulty with reasoning and planning
Narrow, intense interests
Poor motor skills
Sensitivity to sensory input

It's important to note that exhibiting one or more of these signs does not automatically mean a child has ASD. However, parents or caregivers who notice these signs in their child should consult with a healthcare provider or a specialist in child development. Early intervention services can significantly improve a child's development and enhance their quality of life.

Behavioral Characteristics of Children with Autism

Autism, being a spectrum disorder, presents unique behavioral characteristics in each individual. However, there are common traits that can be identified. Understanding these behavioral attributes can help parents, caregivers, and professionals to provide the necessary support and intervention.

Challenges in Social Skills

Children with autism spectrum disorder often struggle with social interaction. They may find it difficult to understand the intentions and emotions of others, making it challenging for them to engage in social activities. Often, they might show less interest in socializing, struggle to make friends, or prefer to play alone.

This difficulty in social interaction is not a result of indifference towards others. Instead, it stems from the challenges they face in interpreting social cues, body language, and facial expressions. As a result, they might find it difficult to participate in group activities, share experiences, or understand others' perspectives.

Communication Difficulties

Communication forms the crux of social interaction. For children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, both verbal and non-verbal communication can be a significant challenge. These difficulties can manifest in various ways, including non-verbalism, expressive language difficulties, receptive language difficulties, and issues with social or pragmatic language [5].

Autistic children may interpret language literally, have trouble understanding sarcasm, and display unusual body language, facial expressions, and movements that may not align with what they are saying. They may also have an unusual vocal tone, such as speaking in a flat, robotic manner or using a sing-song tone. Additionally, they may find it challenging to make eye contact or position their bodies appropriately in conversations [5].

In some cases, high-functioning autistic children may have only slight delays in language development but struggle with engaging in conversations. They may tend to carry on monologues on favorite subjects without allowing others to participate [5].

Repetitive Behaviors

Repetitive behaviors are another common characteristic of children with autism. This may include body movements such as rocking, hand-flapping, or spinning, and behavioral patterns like lining up toys, arranging objects, and insistence on routines.

These repetitive behaviors often serve a purpose for the child, such as providing comfort, self-regulation, or a way to express feelings. While these behaviors might seem unusual to others, they are a part of the child's way of engaging with the world around them.

Understanding the behavioral characteristics of children with autism can help parents, caregivers, and professionals to better support these children. It's important to remember that each child is unique and may not display all these behaviors, or may display them to different degrees. Recognizing and respecting these differences is crucial in supporting children with autism.

Sensory Sensitivities in Autism

One of the key behavioral characteristics of a child with autism is their unique response to sensory stimuli. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may exhibit both hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness) and hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness) to a wide range of stimuli. Most individuals experience a combination of both.

Hypersensitivity to Stimuli

Many children with autism experience hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli. This can include oversensitivity to bright lights, certain light wavelengths, sounds, smells, textures, and tastes, which can be overwhelming. As a result, they may engage in sensory avoidance behaviors such as pulling away from physical touch or covering their ears to avoid loud noises [6].

Autistic children who are oversensitive might display discomfort in environments with bright lights, avoid certain textures or tastes, and react strongly to loud sounds or strong odors. They may also exhibit behaviors like avoiding physical affection, wearing specific clothing, or having specific eating habits due to sensory sensitivities.

In some instances, intense sensory stimuli can lead to sensory overload, overwhelming an individual's ability to cope. This can result in symptoms like intense anxiety, a need to escape the situation, or difficulty communicating. This overload can result from unexpected loud noises or prolonged exposure to challenging sensory environments.

Hyposensitivity and Seeking Behaviors

On the other end of the spectrum, hyposensitivity is also common in children with autism. This can manifest as a constant need for movement, difficulty recognizing sensations like hunger or pain, and attraction to loud noises, bright lights, and vibrant colors. These tendencies often lead individuals to engage in sensory-seeking behaviors.

Autistic children and teenagers can also experience undersensitivity to sensory information, seeking out sensory experiences and showing preferences for bright colors, tight hugs, or strongly flavored foods. These children might engage in behaviors like increasing volume, speaking loudly, or exploring their environment through touch due to hyposensitivity.

It's also worth noting that many autistic individuals may exhibit behaviors like stimming, which can include repetitive movements, sounds, or fidgeting, as a way to seek sensory input, stay calm, relieve stress, or block out uncomfortable sensory stimuli. However, suppressing these behaviors in certain settings can lead to difficulties in self-regulation, sensory overload, exhaustion, or burnout [6].

Understanding these sensory sensitivities in autism is crucial, as they can impact various aspects of a child's life, including their experiences at home, school, and social settings. However, with the support of professionals like occupational therapists, dietitians, speech pathologists, optometrists, audiologists, and others, strategies can be developed to help children with autism manage their sensory issues effectively [7].

Impact of Sensory Sensitivities

Sensory sensitivities can have a profound impact on the daily lives of children with autism. These sensitivities, which can manifest as either hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to different types of stimuli, can influence behavior and interaction with the environment.

Daily Life Challenges

Many individuals with autism experience hypersensitivity to stimuli such as bright lights, certain light wavelengths, sounds, smells, textures, and tastes. This hypersensitivity can often lead to sensory avoidance behaviors such as pulling away from physical touch or covering ears to avoid loud noises [6].

On the other hand, hyposensitivity is also common in people with autism and can manifest as a constant need for movement, difficulty recognizing sensations like hunger or pain, and attraction to loud noises, bright lights, and vibrant colors. This often leads to sensory seeking behaviors.

Furthermore, sensory overload, which can occur when intense sensory stimuli overwhelm an individual's ability to cope, can lead to symptoms like intense anxiety, a need to escape the situation, or difficulty communicating. This overload can result from unexpected loud noises or prolonged exposure to challenging sensory environments [6].

Children with autism may also exhibit repetitive behaviors such as rocking, flicking, or pacing. These behaviors are often tools for self-calming and can vary significantly among individuals. Some engage in constant repetitive behaviors while others only do so when they are stressed, anxious, or upset.

Role of Professionals

Given the significant impact of sensory sensitivities on the lives of children with autism, the role of professionals in managing these sensitivities is crucial.

Occupational therapists, for instance, can work with children to help them manage their sensory challenges. They can provide sensory integration therapy, which involves creating controlled sensory experiences to help children respond more appropriately to stimuli.

Behavioral therapists, on the other hand, can help children develop coping mechanisms for dealing with sensory overload. They can also work with the child's family and school to create a more accommodating environment.

In conclusion, while sensory sensitivities can pose significant challenges for children with autism, with the right support and strategies, these challenges can be managed effectively. Thus, understanding the sensory behaviors in autism is an essential first step towards providing appropriate support and intervention.

Communication Problems in ASD

One of the defining behavioral characteristics of a child with autism is difficulty with communication. This can manifest in a few different ways, including challenges in language development and issues with nonverbal communication.

Language Development Challenges

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often struggle with developing language skills and understanding what others say to them. This can result in behaviors such as screaming, tantrums, or even physically grabbing what they want when they are unable to express their needs effectively. This behavior can be mitigated by teaching these children a meaningful form of communication, which can greatly improve their quality of life, future independence, and reduce stress levels for both the individual and the family.

Communication difficulties in children with autism can manifest in various ways, including:

Non-verbalism
Expressive language difficulties
Receptive language difficulties
Pragmatic or social language issues

These difficulties can make understanding verbal and non-verbal cues, engaging in conversations, and interpreting language challenging for autistic individuals [5].

Nonverbal Communication Issues

Nonverbal communication is another area where children with autism often struggle. They may interpret language literally, have difficulty understanding sarcasm, display unusual body language, facial expressions, and movements that may not align with what they are saying. Additionally, they may exhibit an unusual vocal tone, such as speaking in a flat, robotic manner, or using a sing-song tone [5].

Furthermore, autistic children may struggle with eye contact or positioning their bodies appropriately during conversations. It's also worth noting that some high-functioning autistic children may have only slight delays in language but struggle with engaging in conversations. They may tend to carry on monologues on favorite subjects without allowing others to participate.

Understanding these communication challenges can provide a better insight into the behavioral characteristics of a child with autism. With this understanding, parents, educators, and therapists can develop strategies and interventions that best support the child's communication needs.

Treatment Approaches for Communication

Addressing communication issues in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) requires a comprehensive and tailored approach. There are several strategies and interventions that can help improve these children's ability to communicate effectively and meaningfully.

Early Intervention Strategies

The best treatment program for speech and language problems of ASD begins early, ideally during the preschool years NIDCD. The program should be tailored to the child's age and interests, focusing on improving communication skills and behavior. Regular reinforcement of positive actions is also an essential part of the program.

Specific strategies may include:

Speech therapy: This involves working with a speech-language pathologist to improve speech and language skills.
Social skills training: This helps children learn appropriate social behaviors and communication strategies.
Applied behavior analysis (ABA): This uses positive reinforcement and other techniques to promote desirable behaviors and reduce problematic ones.
Picture exchange communication system (PECS): This uses pictures to help children communicate their needs and wants.

These early intervention strategies can significantly improve the communication skills of children with ASD, enhancing their quality of life, future independence, and reducing stress levels for both individuals and families National Autism Resources.

Involvement of Caregivers

The involvement of parents or primary caregivers is crucial to incorporate the treatment into the child's daily life NIDCD. Parents can reinforce the skills learned during therapy sessions and provide the necessary support and encouragement.

Here are some ways caregivers can assist:

Consistency: Apply the strategies used in therapy during everyday activities and routines.
Practice: Provide plenty of opportunities for the child to practice their communication skills.
Patience: Understand that progress may be slow and celebrate small victories along the way.
Collaboration: Work closely with therapists and teachers to ensure a consistent approach.

The active involvement of caregivers not only helps ensure the effectiveness of the intervention strategies but also strengthens the bond between the child and the caregiver, providing a secure and supportive environment for the child's development.