Which of the following exemplifies a symptom of autism spectrum disorder?

Which of the following exemplifies a symptom of autism spectrum disorder?

A. Cara is quick to anger and is incapable of dealing with a situation in which she is not the center of attention.

B. Cara is submissive and physically clings to the people around her.

C. Cara does not initiate conversations with other children, and she turns her head away when spoken to.

D. Cara is very impulsive-as soon as an idea enters her head she acts upon it.

Answer: C. Cara does not initiate conversations with other children, and she turns her head away when spoken to.

This option is one of the many manifestations of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) that relates to the disruption of social communication and interaction. Autistic persons usually have a problem with social interactions whether in the aspect of initiating and or maintaining a conversation just like Cara who rarely initiates conversation with her peers. Also, she shakes her head when spoken to and turns her head the other way, signs which indicate that the child has issues in social interaction and may have issues related to sensitivity to sound and touch, thus may be diagnosed with ASD.

For instance, in a classroom, while other children will normally group themselves during free time, play and interact, Cara may be seen seated alone and will not try to play with anyone. In one of the episodes of interpersonal interaction with the classmate or teacher when the latter tries to speak to her, she may use physical distancing – turn her back to the person, avoid eye contact and demonstratively express her desire not to interact. Such behaviour is not simply attributable to apathy toward other people, this is a distinct result of the social impairments that characterize the disorder. In one case, instead of joining other cousins her age to play and chat during a family event, Cara would be observed in this interaction to be occupied with an object or in an inert activity and does not seek the interaction of the relatives. For instance, if there is an aunt who wishes to start a conversation with Cara, the girl might find it hard to respond; instead of engaging the aunt in cheerful conversation, the girl might physically twist away or freeze, indicating that she cannot talk. These behaviours are consistent with the social communication difficulties seen in autism spectrum disorders, which are characterised by difficulties with each individual’s part in a two-way social interchange and may present with an unusual reaction to social cues.