Children with Autism generally struggle in these three areas:  Social skills, Language, and Behavior

“Z” means that Zeke has the same trait

Social skills

• Fails to respond to his or her name
• Has poor eye contact  “Z”
• Appears not to hear you at times
• Resists cuddling and holding
• Appears unaware of others’ feelings  “Z”
• Seems to prefer playing alone — retreats into his or her “own world”  “Z”

Language

• Starts talking later than other children  “Z”
• Loses previously acquired ability to say words or sentences  “Z”
• Does not make eye contact when making requests  “Z”
• Speaks with an abnormal tone or rhythm — may use a singsong voice or robot-like speech
• Can’t start a conversation or keep one going  “Z”
• May repeat words or phrases verbatim, but doesn’t understand how to use them  “Z”

Behavior

• Performs repetitive movements, such as rocking, spinning or hand-flapping  “Z”
• Develops specific routines or rituals
• Becomes disturbed at the slightest change in routines or rituals
• Moves constantly  “Z”
• May be fascinated by parts of an object, such as the spinning wheels of a toy car  “Z”
• May be unusually sensitive to light, sound and touch and yet oblivious to pain  “Z”

        Mayo Clinic

(http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/autism/DS00348/DSECTION=symptoms)