What Are Patterns of Behavior With Autism?

Children with ASD also act in ways that seem unusual or have interests that aren’t typical, including:

• Repetitive behaviors like hand-flapping, rocking, jumping, or twirling
• Constant moving (pacing) and “hyper” behavior
• Fixations on certain activities or objects
• Specific routines or rituals (and getting upset when a routine is changed, even slightly)
• Extreme sensitivity to touch, light, and sound
• Not taking part in “make-believe” play or imitating others’ behaviors
• Fussy eating habits
• Lack of coordination, clumsiness
• Impulsiveness (acting without thinking)
• Aggressive behavior, both with self and others
• Short attention span