The information below is  Copyright 2002. Autism Society of America. All Rights Reserved.

Individuals with autism usually exhibit at least half of the traits listed below. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and vary in intensity from symptom to symptom. In addition, the behavior usually occurs across many different situations and is consistently inappropriate for their age.

Difficulty in mixing with other children O   Insistence on sameness; resists changes in routine O
Inappropriate laughing and giggling   No real fear of dangers
 		 O
Little or no eye contact
 		   Sustained odd play
 		 O
Apparent insensitivity to pain
 		 O   Echolalia (repeating words or phrases in place of normal language)
 		 O
Prefers to be alone; aloof manner
 		 O   May not want cuddling or act cuddly
Spins objects O   Not responsive to verbal cues; acts as deaf O
Inappropriate attachment to objects O   Difficulty in expressing needs; uses gestures or pointing instead of words O
Noticeable physical overactivity or extreme underactivity   Tantrums - displays extreme distress for no apparent reason
Unresponsive to normal teaching methods   Uneven gross/fine motor skills. (May not want to kick ball but can stack blocks.)
 
Please note this symptom list is not a substitute for a full-scale diagnostic assessment.

Consult your health care provider to obtain a complete diagnostic evaluation.

Adapted from the original by Professor Rendle-Short, Brisbane Children's Hospital, University of Queensland, Australia.