What is a significant characteristic of autism spectrum disorder?

Difficulties with social communication and interaction are indeed a significant characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Individuals with ASD often experience challenges in understanding and engaging in the social dynamics that typically involve non-verbal cues, emotional expressions, and the subtleties of conversations. This can lead to difficulties in establishing and maintaining relationships and can affect their ability to communicate effectively with others.

Understanding social norms, appropriately responding to social situations, and recognizing the emotions of others can be particularly challenging, making social interaction a prominent issue for many individuals on the spectrum. This core feature of ASD distinguishes it from other developmental or psychiatric conditions, as the difficulties encountered in social contexts are pervasive and affect various aspects of life.

While heightened sensory awareness, variations in intelligence levels, and verbal skills can occur in individuals with ASD, they are not universally characteristic of the disorder. Not all individuals with autism experience heightened sensory awareness; their intellectual functioning can vary widely, and verbal skills can range from non-verbal to highly articulate. Therefore, the difficulties with social communication and interaction serve as a hallmark of ASD, underpinning many other aspects of the individual’s experience with the condition.