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Describing Symptoms
Understanding symptoms, strategies, and services can improve individual lives.
While autism encompasses many positive characteristics and strengths, it is also important to acknowledge that certain symptoms can present challenges, particularly when individuals lack proper support or accommodations. These symptoms are not inherently "bad," but they can create difficulties for autistic individuals and their caregivers in navigating daily life. The full list is included below under the chart.
The information provided on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is based on trusted sources, including the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, peer-reviewed research on sensory, communication, and behavioral challenges, expert guidelines from organizations like the CDC and NIMH, and widely validated clinical knowledge from professionals working with individuals on the autism spectrum.
Here is a list of challenging symptoms associated with autism that primarily focus on the difficulties rather than the strengths:
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Communication Challenges
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Difficulty expressing needs and wants
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Limited or no verbal communication
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Trouble understanding verbal instructions
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Difficulty with abstract concepts
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Problems with tone and volume control
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Challenges with conversation flow
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Limited facial expressions or body language
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Trouble understanding social cues
Behavioral Challenges
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Self-injurious behaviors (head banging, biting, scratching)
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Aggressive behaviors toward others
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Property destruction
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Elopement (wandering/running away)
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Rigid routines and resistance to change
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Repetitive movements (stimming)
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Inappropriate touching or personal space issues
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Fecal smearing
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Pica (eating non-food items)
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Sleep disturbances
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Food selectivity or aversion
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Meltdowns and tantrums
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Difficulty with transitions
Sensory Issues
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Hypersensitivity to sounds
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Light sensitivity
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Touch sensitivity
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Smell/taste sensitivities
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Vestibular processing issues
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Proprioception challenges
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Sensory seeking behaviors
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Difficulty filtering environmental stimuli
Daily Living Challenges
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Toileting difficulties
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Feeding and eating challenges
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Personal hygiene struggles
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Dressing difficulties
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Safety awareness issues
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Time management problems
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Organization challenges
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Difficulty with sequential tasks
Social Challenges
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Trouble making friends
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Difficulty maintaining relationships
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Problems with sharing and turn-taking
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Limited interest in peer interaction
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Trouble understanding social rules
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Difficulty with empathy
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Problems with perspective-taking
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Challenges with group activities
Emotional Regulation
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Difficulty identifying emotions
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Problems expressing feelings appropriately
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Anxiety and stress management issues
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Mood regulation challenges
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Frustration tolerance issues
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Difficulty with emotional reciprocity
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Problems with self-soothing
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Emotional overwhelm
Learning and Cognitive Challenges
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Attention and focus issues
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Memory difficulties
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Problem-solving challenges
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Abstract thinking problems
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Generalization difficulties
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Executive functioning issues
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Processing speed variations
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Difficulty with planning and organization
Medical/Physical Challenges
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Gastrointestinal issues
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Sleep disorders
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Seizures (in some cases)
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Motor coordination difficulties
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Fine motor skill challenges
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Gross motor skill issues
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Muscle tone problems
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Balance and coordination challenges
Independence & Caregiving
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Physical exhaustion
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Emotional stress
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Financial strain
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Time management challenges
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Relationship stress
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Career limitations
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Social isolation
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Mental health concerns
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Limited personal time
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Difficulty planning activities
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Sibling impact
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Extended family relationships
Summary
These challenges are not reflections of personal failure but are instead indicative of the need for understanding, compassion, and appropriate accommodations. By addressing these more problematic symptoms with the right tools and support, individuals with autism can navigate a world that often doesn't naturally meet their needs, while their strengths are nurtured and celebrated.