Do You Have Autism? 7 of the Most Common Symptoms

by Christina Schneider, MPH

Scientists are realizing how common autism spectrum disorders are. That means more people are getting the diagnosis and therapy they need to manage their autism symptoms. If you've been wondering if you or a loved one might be on the autism spectrum, you need to know some of the most common symptoms. See if this list of seven common traits of people with autism strikes a chord.

Fixations

People with autism sometimes lock onto a target and refuse to let it go. If you mention animals in all of your conservations or feel the need to collect every Beanie Baby ever released, you may be on the autism spectrum. However, the difference between passion and obsession can be difficult to see. It's important to talk to a medical professional to see if you're on the spectrum or just overly enthusiastic.

Learning Difficulties

The modern day education system is not set up to accommodate people with autism. It can be hard to sit still, focus on paperwork, or work well on group assignments. One possible symptom of autism is poor grades in school or repeated classroom disruptions. Some high-functioning autistics do well in certain classes that interest them and fail classes they don't care about. People with autism can finish high school and graduate from college, but it's easier if you understand your difficulties and how to manage them.

Sensory Symptoms

If you're overly sensitive to noise, light, or sensations, you could have autism. People with this disorder may find it difficult to concentrate in noisy spaces or tolerate fluorescent lights. Some autistics hate wearing tight clothing or struggle with physical affection. You can learn to manage these symptoms, but it's important to get help.

Low Emotional Intelligence

The stereotypical person with autism is very smart in one particular area and struggles socially. While not every person with autism is a savant, many do have difficulty with personal interactions. If you've always had trouble understanding other people's motivations or emotions, you could be dealing with autism.

Poor Eye Contact

Many people with autism find it difficult to maintain eye contact. Studies have even shown that when people on the spectrum watch movies, they spend more time looking at background scenery and less time looking at actors' faces than neurotypical people. In American culture, this tendency to not look others in the eye can cause problems. 

OCD Symptoms

Sometimes autistic people who haven't been formally diagnosed wonder if they have obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). You may focus heavily on keeping your house clean, following the same routines every day, or arranging your personal items in a specific manner. These traits could indicate that you have autism rather than OCD.

Repetitive Behaviors

A classic symptom of autism is repeated physical motions, sometimes called stereotyping. Many autistic people find comfort in flapping their hands or arms or rocking back and forth. Higher-functioning people with autism may use less-obvious tools like repeatedly fidgeting with a small object, tapping a foot, or moving their tongue.

Remember that only a licensed professional can diagnose autism. If you see yourself or a loved one in this list of symptoms, it's important to reach out for help. You might qualify for behavioral therapy to help reduce your stress levels or special accommodations at work or school. As more and more people seek a formal diagnosis, the stigma of autism is lessening. Now is the perfect time to be evaluated.