Autism is a lifelong development condition that affects the way a person communicates and relates to other people. More recently a wide range of associated conditions have been linked to Autism leading to the rise of the terms Autistic Spectrum Disorders. However, all those affected do tend to show three common characteristics (known as the triad of impairments):-

Difficulties with Speech, Language and Nonverbal communication
The main problem is not that the child cannot talk (although a proportion never develop speech) but that they have difficulties in communicating. In other words even people who have relatively normal development can find it difficult to initiate conversations, replay appropriately and volunteer information. A child can often repeat perfectly what has been said (known as echolalia) but cannot use the same words in another situation (either immediately or later) to request something.

Difficulties with Social Interaction:-
People (particularly children) with autism often have difficulties initiating and sustaining relationships with their peers. It is often the case that children with autism can relate well to their parents and carers but do not to other children. This is because as adults, we can usually anticipate the needs of a child. Since other children do not have this ability the autistic child struggles to interact with his/her peers. It is not that autistic children cannot make friends but often just do not know how. Teaching an autistic child social skills is critical to their development.

Difficulties with Imagination
Imaginary play (such as pretending a doll is a baby or a toy car is a real car) is a very important part of a child’s development. Children with autism rarely show such imaginative play thus their development is hindered. People with autism also tend to have problems in understanding how other people are feeling or interpreting facial expressions.