9781422285688

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SYMPTOMS

The signs of autism include:

• a significant delay in learning to talk • an unwillingness or inability to make eye contact • a dislike of being touched or hugged • difficulty with “regular,” back-and-forth conversations • difficulty understanding the facial expressions of others

• difficulty using facial expressions or gestures to communicate • difficulty expressing empathy • inflexibility, such as becoming very upset when a routine changes • repetitive movements, such as rocking back and forth • repeating words or sounds • extreme reactions to how things taste, sound, or look

Keep in mind that having just one or two of these symptoms does not mean a person has autism. Also, not every person with autism has every symptom—the disorder can look different from person to person.

The doctor examined Tracy and gave her parents the difficult news. More tests were needed, but it was very likely that Tracy had autism. Defining Autism Autism is a disorder that affects two important parts of human development: communication and socialization . In other words,