



Strong need for planning and routine: Adults with autism like structure and may have a rigid routine.Trouble expressing yourself verbally: You may say things that seem blunt, or have trouble describing what you are thinking or feeling.Difficulty with back-and-forth communication: An autistic person can find it hard to hold a conversation and use or understand body language, eye contact, and facial expressions.This can make it difficult to establish and maintain friendships. Difficulty making and maintaining friendships: Adults with autism have trouble understanding and following social rules, and can sometimes be seen as "rude" or inconsiderate.Difficulty relating to others: You may have a hard time putting yourself in "other people's shoes.".Others may not notice changes in sensation (hyporeactive), such as extreme heat or cold. Extremely sensitive or indifferent to sensations: An autistic person can be extremely sensitive (hyperreactive) to the feel of material on their skin, be unable to stand loud noises, or have strong reactions to other sensory experiences.Limited range of interests, but in-depth knowledge: An autistic child might only care about a few things, but they'll know everything there is to know about them.Repeating the same actions, activities, movements, or words: Autistic children may line up objects or do other activities over and over again, even if there is no obvious reason for doing so.Trouble developing and maintaining relationships: Autistic children often struggle with imaginative play, making friends, or sharing interests.Challenges adjusting to different social situations: Autistic children might become upset in new social situations and not understand social "rules" and expectations.Difficulty seeing another's perspective: It may be hard for an autistic child to understand what other people are thinking or feeling.Poor adapting to change: Age-appropriate schoolwork or tasks may not be problematic, but a child may have a hard time changing activities or trying new ways of doing something.Any change to this routine can cause them to react in an emotional way. Attached to routine: A specific way of doing things often brings feelings of security.Seems distant: They can sometimes seem to be "in their own world" and may not seem to hear people who are speaking to them.Doesn't make eye contact: Kids with autism may seem very shy and look away from people when speaking or being spoken to, either often or consistently.
