Unmistakable Clues Your Child Could Be on the Autism Spectrum

11. Difficulty Understanding Figurative Language

Many children with autism struggle with understanding non-literal language, such as idioms, sarcasm, or metaphors. Phrases like "it’s raining cats and dogs" or "spill the beans" may be taken literally, causing confusion. This difficulty stems from the fact that individuals with autism often process language in a highly logical and straightforward manner. While neurotypical children naturally pick up on contextual clues that indicate when language is being used figuratively, autistic children may require explicit explanations to grasp these nuances. As they grow older, many individuals with autism develop strategies to interpret sarcasm and figurative language, but it may never come as naturally as it does for their peers.

12. Highly Sensitive to Certain Sounds or Smells

Sensory sensitivities are a common but often overlooked sign of autism. Many children on the spectrum have heightened or diminished responses to sensory input, such as loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, or certain textures. A child with autism may cover their ears at sounds that seem ordinary to others, such as the hum of a refrigerator or the flushing of a toilet. They might gag or refuse to eat certain foods due to their texture or smell, even if they have no history of food allergies. These sensory challenges can be overwhelming and may lead to meltdowns or avoidance behaviors when exposed to overstimulating environments.