All signs do not have to be present for a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, but children must have difficulties in both A and B. The signs can vary widely in severity, but must impair children's functioning.
A. Difficulties in social communication and interaction:
Difficulty engaging with others and sharing thoughts and feelings
Difficulty with nonverbal communication (such as making eye contact, understanding and using body language and facial expressions)
Difficulty developing, maintaining, and understanding interpersonal relationships
B. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and/or activities:
Repeated movements or speech
Inflexible adherence to routines and resistance to change
Very restricted, intense interests
Very increased or decreased response to physical sensations, such as tastes, smells, textures
