18 Clear Signs Your Child May Be on the Autism Spectrum

3. Struggles With Understanding Feelings Of Others

Individuals with autism or who are considered to be on the spectrum can struggle with understanding the feelings of others. However, there is a misconception that all of these individuals are unable to recognize feelings or read emotions. This is not true. About fifty percent of individuals with autism also have alexithymia, which is a difficulty with identifying the emotions they're feeling. One study indicated individuals with autism and alexithymia were less likely to feel empathy for others. By contrast, individuals who had autism without alexithymia had typical levels of empathy for others. It's also worth noting just because someone doesn't understand another's emotions does not mean they don't care about the other's feelings. Some individuals with autism say they need to teach themselves to read certain body cues and facial expressions others may interpret instinctively. Some individuals with autism also say it's difficult for them to understand what's upsetting someone else without having it specifically explained. It's possible for individuals with autism to understand and care about the feelings of others, but communicating those feelings often needs to be more blunt than neurotypical individuals are used to.

4. Exhibits Repetitive Behaviors

One common sign of autism is repetitive behaviors. These behaviors might involve hand flapping, spinning, rocking, or any other physical motions. The repetition of these motions can help soothe individuals who are having sensory issues or experiencing an emotional overload. However, repetitive behaviors aren't always a sign of distress. 'Stimming' involves repetitive or unusual motions that can express joy or pleasure. In the past, many treatments for autism aimed to reduce or eliminate repetitive motions, though this is more harmful than helpful. Forcing children to sit still when they want to move can lead to severe stress and even trauma. There's nothing wrong with using repetitive motion. The only types of repetitive behaviors that should be stopped are ones that cause harm, like banging one's head or biting. Rather than trying to stop these behaviors, it's better to encourage them as methods of self-expression.