Kids with autism spectrum disorder may have problems interacting with others because of their challenges learning communication skills (both verbal and body language). They may:

• Resist cuddling or being held.
• Prefer to play by themselves and stay in their own world.
• Fail to respond to their name when called.
• Make little or no eye contact.
• Have a facial expression that seems flat or sometimes they may have out of context smiles or laughter.
• Not develop speech or may have delayed speech.
• Initially repeat phrases verbatim from things they hear on t. v. shows or movies; this is called echolalia. They may also have a hard time initiating a conversation, or if they start a conversation, it may be about a topic that only they are interested in and won’t allow for a dialogue to unfold.
• Speak in an unusual tone of voice or pace, or they may use a singsong or cartoonish voice.
• Use vocabulary or phrases out of context because they don’t understand their meaning.
• Appear to not understand simple questions or directions.
• Not express their emotions or feelings and appear unaware of the feelings of others.
• Have difficulty recognizing non-verbal cues, and interpreting people’s facial expressions or body language.
• Display inadequate responses to social interactions by acting passive, goofy, disruptive or even aggressive when uncalled for.