What characterizes autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by a range of symptoms that primarily include deficits in social communication and interaction, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. This encapsulates the essence of the disorder, highlighting the challenges individuals may face in engaging with others socially, as well as exhibiting behaviors that might seem rigid or limited in scope.

In the context of social communication, individuals with ASD might struggle with understanding social cues, maintaining conversations, or forming relationships, which distinctly defines their interaction capabilities. The repetitive behaviors can manifest in various forms, such as insistence on sameness, adherence to routines, or obsessive interests.

While sensory processing issues can indeed be part of the experience for many individuals with ASD, they do not represent the full spectrum of the disorder and are not its defining characteristics. Similarly, stating that individuals with ASD only have deficits in verbal communication or are unable to learn any language does not accurately reflect the diversity of skills and abilities found within this population. Many individuals on the spectrum may communicate effectively and use various forms of language, whether verbal or nonverbal.