Unmistakable Clues Your Child Could Be on the Autism Spectrum

7. Abnormal Facial Expressions

Abnormal facial expressions can also be a sign of autism. Inexplicable expressions can also occur in a variety of other neurodivergent conditions including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and certain psychotic disorders. Neurotypical people sometimes mistakenly think the abnormal facial expressions are a sign of disinterest, inappropriate emotional responses, or predatory behavior. But this is not true at all. Like with inflection in speech, individuals with autism sometimes struggle to use facial expressions to communicate. They may have flat and removed expressions, or they might seem excited or unhappy about news that doesn't warrant that reaction. Many individuals with autism talk about how they practiced mimicking other people's facial expressions as children so they'd stop seeming weird. If a child has a strange facial expression for a conversation, it's possible they're trying to imitate their neurotypical peers for acceptance. Individuals with autism should never be demonized for not emoting the way neurotypical people do, and should be allowed to express feelings and thoughts in the way that feels most comfortable to them.

8. Extreme Interest In Specific Things

Autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are two neurodivergent conditions that share many traits. In the past, they were actually considered to exist on the same spectrum. One of the things that's common in both conditions is a phenomenon called 'hyperfocus.' In it, an affected individual may become extremely interested in specific things. They will then develop a singleminded focus on their current interest, learning everything they can about it and creating things related to it and talking to anyone who will listen about it. When an individual with autism is interested in something, studies indicate they have a significantly better ability to concentrate and absorb information than their average neurotypical counterparts. The flip side of this, though, is it will often be impossible for them to focus on anything other than their interest. This can be frustrating to the individuals around them; if they can focus on one thing, it's hard to understand why they can't just switch tasks and focus on the other. But for an individual with autism who is hyperfocusing, attempting to think about other things isn't possible since their brain is entirely occupied.