10 Signs of Autism
- 1. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The American Psychiatry Association (APA) - https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm
- 2. Data & Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder. National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html
6. Fixed Interests
This is a very common finding in patients with autism spectrum disorder but it is also a non-specific sign. Most people will develop an interest in certain things throughout their lifetime. These interests usually change over time and it is not something to be worried about.
The difference observed in people with ASD is that they develop a fixation towards things that are interesting to them. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as it can lead to a professional path or even a hobby. As long as it doesn’t interfere with everyday activities, it is considered healthy. On the other hand, if this fixation becomes an obsession, it may interfere with the normal functioning of the person.
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