MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Autistic behavior

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Autistic behavior

Contents of this page:
Definition Considerations Causes	Home Care When to Contact a Medical Professional References

Definition Return to top

Autistic behavior describes behavioral patterns similar to those seen in autism.

Considerations Return to top

Autistic behavior includes:

Abnormal socialization (lack of need for interacting with others)
Abnormal speech patterns
Absent or poorly-developed verbal and nonverbal communication skills (inability to clearly express thoughts and needs)
Social withdrawal
Inability to make friends
Repetitive body movements
Ritualistic behavior
Lack of eye contact

Several infections and nervous system (neurological) diseases can produce symptoms like those of autism.

Causes Return to top

Deafness
Infantile autism
Mental retardation
Metabolic degenerative CNS (central nervous system) disorders
Schizophrenia

Home Care Return to top

Home care depends on the cause of the behavior. The child's safety needs must always be considered.

When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top

Call your health care provider if your child displays autistic behavior but is not known to be autistic.

References Return to top

Johnson CP, Myers SM. American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Children with Disabilities. Identification and evaluation of children with autism spectrum disorders. Pediatrics. 2007;120:1183-1215.

Dover CJ, Le Couteur A. How to diagnose autism. Arch Dis Child. 2007;92:540-545.

Update Date: 4/25/2008

Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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