Final answer:
Children with autism in early childhood may exhibit impaired social skills, repetitive motor behaviors, preoccupation with specific subjects, strict adherence to certain rituals, and unusual language use.
Step-by-step explanation:
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) encompass a group of developmental brain disorders that are characterized by "deficits in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and engagement in repetitive behaviors or interests" (National Institute of Mental Health). Some features that discriminate children with autism in early childhood include:
- Impaired social skills: Children with autism may have difficulty making and maintaining eye contact and reading social cues. They may also have problems feeling empathy for others.
- Repetitive motor behaviors: Children with autism may engage in repetitive motor behaviors, such as rocking back and forth.
- Preoccupation with specific subjects: Children with autism may exhibit intense interest in specific subjects or objects, often to the exclusion of other activities or topics.
- Strict adherence to certain rituals: Children with autism may have a strong need for routine and sameness, and become upset or agitated if their routines are disrupted.
- Unusual language use: Children with autism may have atypical language development, including echolalia (repeating words or phrases) or unusual use of language.