Autism and its effects
                     AUTISM AND ITS 
EFFECTS
What Is Autism 
Spectrum Disorder?
 Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a 
complex developmental condition that 
involves  persistent challenges  in social 
interaction, speech and nonverbal 
communication, and 
restricted/repetitive behaviors. 
Source: www.psychiatry.org 
Characteristics of 
Autism Spectrum 
Disorders
 Autism differs from person to person in 
severity and combinations of symptoms. 
There is a great range of abilities and 
characteristics of children with autism 
spectrum disorder no two children 
appear or behave the same way.
Source: www.psychiatry.org 
Symptoms
 Some children show signs of autism 
spectrum disorder in early infancy, such 
as reduced eye contact, lack of 
response to their name or indifference 
to caregivers. 
 Other children may develop normally for 
the first few months or years of life, but 
then suddenly become withdrawn or 
aggressive or lose language skills 
they've already acquired. 
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
Characteristics of autism 
spectrum disorder 
Social interaction 
and 
communication 
problems
 Fails to respond to his or her name or 
appears not to hear you at times
 Resists cuddling and holding, and seems 
to prefer playing alone, retreating into 
his or her own world
 Has poor eye contact and lacks facial 
expression
 Doesn't speak or has delayed speech, or 
loses previous ability to say words or 
sentences
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
Social interaction 
and 
communication 
problems CONT.
 Doesn't appear to understand simple 
questions or directions
 Doesn't express emotions or feelings 
and appears unaware of others' feelings
 Doesn't point at or bring objects to 
share interest
 Inappropriately approaches a social 
interaction by being passive, aggressive 
or disruptive
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
Restricted and 
repetitive patterns 
of behaviors
 Performs repetitive movements, such as 
rocking, spinning or hand flapping
 Performs activities that could cause self-
harm, such as biting or head-banging
 Develops specific routines or rituals and 
becomes disturbed at the slightest 
change
Source: www.psychiatry.org 
Restricted and 
repetitive patterns 
of behaviors 
CONT.
 Is unusually sensitive to light, sound or 
touch, yet may be indifferent to pain or 
temperature
 Doesn't engage in imitative or make-
believe play
 Fixates on an object or activity with 
abnormal intensity or focus
Source: www.psychiatry.org 
Diagnosis and 
Risk Factors
 Early diagnosis and treatment are 
important to reducing the symptoms of 
autism and improving the quality of life 
for people with autism and their 
families. There is no medical test for 
autism.
Source: www.psychiatry.org 
Causes
 Genetics: Several different genes 
appear to be involved in autism 
spectrum disorder. 
 Environmental factors: Researchers are 
currently exploring whether factors such 
as viral infections, medications or 
complications during pregnancy, or air 
pollutants play a role in triggering 
autism spectrum disorder.
Source: www.psychiatry.org