Autism is a disorder that causes some children to experience the world differently than other children do. Children with autism often have a hard time communicating with people. Autism is considered a complex developmental disability and it affects a child’s communication and social skills.

Some children will experience mild symptoms while others have severe symptoms. No two people though, have the same symptoms. A child with autism will have trouble communicating with others, and may often appear clumsy with their interactions with peers. They will often be defensive or even off-the-wall with some of the comments they make.

Children with autism will often make little or no eye contact, and their teachers and healthcare workers must work to teach them early on that eye contact is very important. A child with autism has a hard time sympathizing with others. Many do not like to be touched or cuddled with like other children do. They also frighten at the sound of a loud noise or a sudden change in smell, light or temperature.

Children with autism may have trouble speaking, depending on the severity of the autism. Some children with autism may not speak at all, while others often repeat words or phrases they hear, which is known as echolalia.

Children experiencing autism like predictable events. They like and accept routine and the same motions day to day are the best and most comfortable for them. Some children with autism may experience tics or other body spasms. These are usually jerky movements and can go from a few seconds long to a very long time.