Social Interaction and Communication-Autism

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Autistic people have difficulty understanding both verbal and nonverbal language, such as gestures or tone of voice. Some autistic people cannot speak or have limited speech, whereas others have excellent language skills but struggle to understand sarcasm or tone of voice. Other difficulties include:
  • Taking things literally and failing to understand abstract concepts
  • Requiring extra time to process information or answer questions
  • Repeating what others say to them (a condition known as echolalia)

Autistic people frequently struggle with'reading' other people, or recognising or understanding others' feelings and intentions, as well as expressing their own emotions. This can make navigating the social world extremely difficult. Autistic individuals may:

  • Appear to be insensitive
  • Seek out time alone when overloaded by other people
  • Don't seek comfort from other people
  • Appear to behave 'strangely' or in a way thought to be socially inappropriate
  • Find it hard to form friendships

Factors

Autism is often accompanied by sensory sensitivities and medical issues such as gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizures, or sleep disorders, as well as mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and attention issues.

One of the most contentious issues in autism spectrum disorder is whether there is a link between the disorder and childhood vaccines. Despite extensive research, no credible study has established a link between autism spectrum disorder and any vaccine. In fact, the original study that sparked the controversy years ago was retracted due to poor design and questionable research methods.

vectors by Freepick; graphic design by Vadot


Reference:

Autism spectrum disorder - Symptoms and causes. (2018). Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928 ‌

What Is Autism? | Autism Speaks. (2013). Autism Speaks. https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism ‌

National Autistic Society. (2023). What is Autism? Autism.org.uk. https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism

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