Health Encyclopedia
Autistic behavior
Definition
Autistic behavior describes behavioral patterns similar to those seen in autism.
Considerations
Autistic behavior includes:
- Absent or poorly-developed verbal and nonverbal communication skills (inability to clearly express thoughts and needs)
- Abnormal socialization (lack of need for interacting with others)
- Social withdrawal
- Inability to make friends
- Repetitive body movements
- Ritualistic behavior
- Lack of eye contact
- Various speech pattern abnormalities
Several infectious and neurological diseases can produce symptoms mimicking autism.
Causes
- Infantile autism
- Deafness
- Mental retardation
- Metabolic degenerative CNS (central nervous system) disorders
- Schizophrenia
Home Care
Home care depends on the cause of the behavior. The child's safety needs must always be considered.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider if your child exhibits autistic behavior but is not known to be autistic.
Review Date:
5/12/2006
Reviewed By: Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Reviewed By: Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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