Final answer:
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit behaviors such as impaired social skills, repetitive motor behaviors, strict adherence to rituals, and unusual language use. The severity and impact of these behaviors can vary, making individualized intervention and therapy important.
Step-by-step explanation:
Key Pivotal Behaviors in Children with Autism
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often display a range of behaviors that can significantly impact their social interactions and communication abilities. These key pivotal behaviors include impaired social skills, such as difficulties with making and maintaining eye contact, reading social cues, and feeling empathy. Repetitive motor behaviors and a preoccupation with specific subjects or activities are also common, along with a strict adherence to certain rituals and unusual language use. As a neurodevelopmental disorder, the presentation of ASD can vary greatly among individuals, where some may have associated conditions like epilepsy or intellectual disability, while others possess strong language skills and do not perceive their experience as a disorder but rather as a unique way of processing information.
Recent studies, such as those by Sallows and Graupner (2005), have indicated the importance of early intervention and therapy to aid children with ASD. Emotion recognition and regulatory strategies, often a challenge for these individuals, are areas where therapeutic interventions can make significant strides.