What is a major characteristic of autism?

What is a major characteristic of autism?

• A. Exceptional mathematical skills
• B. Multiple personalities
• C. Severe and pervasive impairment in social and communication skills
• D. Strong interest in group activities

Answer: (C)

A major characteristic of autism is a severe and pervasive impairment in social and communication skills. Individuals on the autism spectrum often struggle with understanding social cues, forming relationships, and effectively communicating with others. This impairment can manifest in various ways, such as difficulty in initiating or sustaining conversations, challenges in understanding nonverbal communication like gestures or facial expressions, and limited engagement in reciprocal social interactions. This characteristic is central to the diagnosis of autism and significantly impacts the daily lives of those with the condition. It is important to recognize that while some individuals with autism may display exceptional skills in certain areas, such as mathematics or memory, these abilities are not universal traits among all individuals on the spectrum. Additionally, concepts like multiple personalities are more aligned with dissociative identity disorder, and a strong interest in group activities typically contrasts with the social challenges faced by individuals with autism. Understanding the core social and communication impairments helps in creating better support and interventions for individuals with autism.

A major characteristic of autism is a severe and pervasive impairment in social and communication skills. Individuals on the autism spectrum often struggle with understanding social cues, forming relationships, and effectively communicating with others. This impairment can manifest in various ways, such as difficulty in initiating or sustaining conversations, challenges in understanding nonverbal communication like gestures or facial expressions, and limited engagement in reciprocal social interactions.

This characteristic is central to the diagnosis of autism and significantly impacts the daily lives of those with the condition. It is important to recognize that while some individuals with autism may display exceptional skills in certain areas, such as mathematics or memory, these abilities are not universal traits among all individuals on the spectrum. Additionally, concepts like multiple personalities are more aligned with dissociative identity disorder, and a strong interest in group activities typically contrasts with the social challenges faced by individuals with autism. Understanding the core social and communication impairments helps in creating better support and interventions for individuals with autism.