Characteristics of Autism

Uneven Motor Skills
Autistic children exhibit uneven motor skills. Some may not be able to perform even the simplest of tasks, such as hop or stand still on one leg, use a spoon or fork, or dress themselves. However, the same children may exhibit other gifted characteristics, such as drawing, playing music or arranging toys in a complicated manner. Their motor skills follow no set developmental pattern, and while they may perform exceptionally well in certain areas, their performance in other, more common areas is often grossly inadequate.

Many people with autism, and their carers, suffer from sleep problems, such as insomnia.
Problems with sleep issues:

Problems falling asleep

Frequent waking during the night

Early morning waking

Short duration sleep

Irregular sleep patterns

Bed-wetting or soiling

Daytime sleepiness

Causes and other sleep issues:

the neurochemical make up of children with autism. For example, it is possible children with autism may have an irregular pattern of melatonin secretion

the physical make up of some children with autism. For example children with Rett syndrome have breathing problems, which may affect their ability to sleep

the inability of children with autism to use social cues to synchronize their sleep/wake cycle. They may simply not understand that it is time for bed or when it is time to get up.

underlying problems such as anxiety or behavioural difficulties. They may be frightened of the dark or of being left alone by their carers.

sensory sensitivities. Some children are extremely sensitive to things in their immediate environment, such as fluorescent lights

allergies and food sensitivities. Children with autism may be especially sensitive to foodstuffs like sugar, caffeine and additives which can keep them awake.

Repetitive Behaviour and Routines
Children with autism often show issues in the area of routines or repetitive behaviors. Many children demonstrate an obsessive need for sameness. They may have great difficulty when home or classroom routines are changed, possibly throwing huge tantrums. They may insist upon having everything in the same place all the time and get very upset if anything is moved. Sometimes a verbal child may show this desire for sameness in a preoccupation with a certain subject or area of interest to the exclusion of all others.

Physical Characteristics
Many children with autism exhibit what is called self-stimulatory behavior: rapid, repetitive motor movements such as flapping hands, flicking fingers, or spinning things.