Autism Symptoms -- Social Interaction Checklist

Autism has an array of "classic" symptoms, with a profound impairment of social interaction skills perhaps being the most familiar to the layperson. Parents often notice something is not quite right with their child, often as early as infancy. In most cases, the signs are present within the first two to three years of life, whereupon a diagnosis of autism is made by medical professionals after a thorough assessment and evaluation using a checklist of items. 

 In infancy or during the toddler stage, the child doesn't make spontaneous eye contact, or actively avoids it. He shows a lack of response to his own name when it's spoken and intuitive reactions to social stimuli are lacking. For example, there is an impairment of exchanging nonverbal social action cues, like returning a smile or reacting to a frown. A "deadpan" expression is common, but not universal, among children with autism. 

 Another cue for parents is the child's not asking for what he wants or needs. He is more likely point or use a gesture to make his needs known. 

 The autistic child shows little spontaneous interest in the people around him and does not make an effort to point out things that they are talking about or enjoy. Related to this is a lack of empathy toward others, because he doesn't understand what makes others feel pain or sorrow. 

 Tantrums and a strong resistance to any change in his routine or environment are usually clues, too. The child may have a certain set of rituals of his own creation that mean nothing to others but have a high significance for him. 

 At times, the child may appear to be developing normally and then suddenly withdraws from social interaction. There is an inability or lesser ability to make friends with other children. Moreover, there's an impaired ability to strike up and sustain a conversation with other people. 

 As a follow-on, imaginative and socially cooperative play are lacking. The inability to establish and maintain social interactions tends to isolate the child; however, it would be a mistake to believe the child with autism prefers to remain alone. Personal attachments may be formed but in a limited way. Developing better social interaction for the autistic child often hinges on strategies to enhance his communications skills. 

 There are many more resources and information about autism signs, symptoms, treatments, and cutting edge medical research in Autism