Final answer:
Key signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children include difficulty with social interactions, communication challenges, repetitive behaviors, intense focus on specific objects, strict routines, and unusual physical behaviors like toe-walking.
Step-by-step explanation:
Behaviors Indicative of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Parents noticing certain behaviors in their children may lead healthcare providers to diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Not all behaviors are signs of ASD, but some key indicators include:
- Difficulty with social interaction: This can manifest as trouble making or maintaining eye contact and reading social cues.
- Communication challenges: Nonverbal communication issues or complete lack of speech can be signs of ASD.
- Repetitive behaviors: Engaging in repeated motions, like rocking or hand-flapping, often points to ASD.
- Preoccupation with objects: An intense focus on specific items or subjects is common in individuals with ASD.
- Rigid adherence to routines: Difficulty tolerating changes and a strong preference for predictable patterns can indicate ASD.
- Physical peculiarities: Walking on toes can sometimes be observed in children with ASD.