What are the symptoms of autism?
Nov 17, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
In general, the main manifestations of autism include social communication difficulties, narrow range of interests, repetitive and rigid behaviors, abnormal sensory perception, and delayed language development. If such symptoms are observed, it is recommended to seek timely evaluation and intervention at a professional medical institution. When children show these signs, early professional assessment should be sought. In daily life, it is important to create a stable and comfortable living environment and avoid sudden changes in routine.
Generally, the main manifestations of autism include difficulties in social communication, narrow range of interests, stereotyped behaviors, sensory abnormalities, and delayed language development. If any of these signs are observed, it is recommended to seek timely evaluation and intervention at a professional medical institution. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Social Communication Difficulties
Abnormal development in brain regions responsible for social cognition makes it difficult to understand others' emotions and social cues. Individuals may avoid eye contact, rarely respond to being called, fail to express needs through facial expressions or gestures, and show little interest in playing with peers.
2. Narrow Range of Interests
There is little interest in toys or games typically enjoyed by children; instead, intense focus is placed on non-toy objects such as bottle caps or electrical wires. The individual may spend prolonged periods examining parts of objects or engage repetitively in monotonous activities, such as repeatedly opening and closing doors or lining up items.
3. Stereotyped Behaviors
A strong reliance on fixed routines—such as taking the same route when traveling or eating at set times—means that changes can trigger intense emotional reactions. Repetitive movements like hand-flapping, body rocking, or spinning are common. Some individuals may exhibit self-injurious or aggressive behaviors.
4. Sensory Abnormalities
The sensory system processes information abnormally, leading to either over-sensitivity or under-responsiveness to stimuli such as sound, light, and touch. For example, an individual might be fearful of vacuum cleaner noise or bright lights, or show reduced sensitivity to pain. Some particularly enjoy touching smooth surfaces, while others may dislike the feeling of clothing tags against their skin.
5. Delayed Language Development
Lagging development in language centers of the brain results in slower language acquisition and later onset of speech compared to peers. Some individuals repeat others’ words (echolalia) but struggle with initiating conversations or expressing needs verbally, often relying instead on physical gestures to communicate.
If a child shows any of the above symptoms, early professional assessment is essential. Daily life should provide a stable and comfortable environment, avoiding sudden changes in routine. Structured training programs can help improve social and daily living skills, using the child’s interests as starting points to encourage interaction. Respond patiently to their needs, avoid criticism, and participate regularly in professional rehabilitation programs to support gradual adaptation to everyday life.
