What is Autism?
Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. The disorder is called a spectrum disorder because the symptoms and their severity can vary widely from person to person.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of autism in the United States is 1 in 54 children. The disorder is more common in boys than in girls, with a ratio of 4:1.
If you suspect that you or someone you know may have autism, it's important to get a professional diagnosis from a qualified healthcare provider. This quiz can help you identify some of the common symptoms of autism, but it is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis.
10 Symptoms of Autism:
- Difficulty with social interaction: One of the most common symptoms of autism is difficulty with social interaction. People with autism may have trouble understanding social cues, making eye contact, or engaging in reciprocal conversation. They may also have difficulty understanding the perspectives of others and may struggle with empathy.
- Repetitive behaviors: Repetitive behaviors are another common symptom of autism. These can include repetitive movements, such as hand-flapping or rocking back and forth, as well as obsessive interests in specific topics or objects.
- Delayed speech and language skills: Delayed speech and language skills are often early signs of autism. Children with autism may have trouble with verbal communication, including delayed speech or difficulty expressing themselves. They may also have difficulty with nonverbal communication, such as gestures or facial expressions.
- Difficulty with changes in routine: People with autism may struggle with changes in routine or unexpected events. They may become upset or anxious when their routine is disrupted, and may have difficulty adapting to new situations or environments.
- Sensory processing issues: Sensory processing issues are common in people with autism. They may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to certain stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures. This can lead to sensory overload or avoidance behaviors.
- Difficulty with executive functioning: Executive functioning refers to a set of cognitive skills that are important for planning, organizing, and completing tasks. People with autism may have difficulty with executive functioning, which can make it challenging to plan and prioritize tasks, stay focused, and complete assignments.
- Restricted interests: People with autism may have restricted interests or hobbies and may become fixated on specific topics or objects. They may have difficulty with flexible thinking, which can make it challenging to adapt to new situations or consider alternate perspectives.
- Difficulty with imaginative play: Imaginative play, such as playing make-believe or pretend, may be difficult for people with autism. They may struggle with understanding and expressing emotions, which can make it challenging to engage in imaginative play.
- Difficulty with social communication: Social communication, such as understanding sarcasm or non-literal language, can be challenging for people with autism. They may take things literally or struggle to understand the nuances of social communication.
- Difficulty with motor skills: People with autism may have difficulty with fine or gross motor skills, such as tying shoes or catching a ball. This can make it challenging to participate in sports or other physical activities.
If you're concerned that you or someone you know may have autism, taking a quiz can be a helpful first step in understanding the symptoms and seeking a diagnosis. Keep in mind that this quiz is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis, and you should always consult with a qualified healthcare provider if you have concerns about autism.
Quiz WriterCharlie
Charlie took to the written word like a fish takes to water. That is to say; they found themselves immersed in literature from before they were born. They've been known to tell their friends how they can still remember the passages their parents read to them when they were in utero - Emily Dickinson, Jane Austen, and a bit of Hunter S. Thompson thrown in to balance it out. Charlie keeps their feet wet, whether they're whipping up pithy one-liners to tease your brain or busy working on their second novel (the first one is available on Amazon under a pen name they refuse to disclose). You’re sure to get a kick out of giggle-worthy explanations and outrageous hints, and still come away feeling like you’ve just expanded your knowledge base.
Did you know?
Boys are diagnosed with autism four times more often than girls
1 in 54 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in 2020, according to the CDC based on data from 2016. 1 in 34 boys and 1 in 144 girls identify as autistic. Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed, and they're diagnosed earlier. Most children are still being diagnosed after four years of age but can be confidently diagnosed at two. Because of the disparity in health care, minority groups are diagnosed later and less often. Autism Spectrum Disorder is still very mysterious to the scientific community. Some parents believe that vaccinating their children causes ASD. The scientific community has proven this as a myth and completely untrue.
How to Play?
Our personality quizzes are set up a little differently than your basic trivia quiz, but you’ve probably seen their kind around. Rather than having to choose the right answer from a list of multiple choice options, in this case, there is no “right answer”! (Two plus two will always be four, but every Golden Girls character is equally awesome.)
So, stop stressing. Just click on the answer that suits you best, and enjoy the ride. These quizzes are just for fun but who knows – you might just learn something about yourself along the way!
About Heywise
Get knOwledgeable! Heywise is where entertainment and trivia meet, like a turducken of fun. Anytime. Anywhere. Since 2017, Heywise has been a leader of quizzes on the web, on mobile devices, and across social media.
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