What is a characteristic behavior seen in autism spectrum disorder?

In autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a hallmark characteristic is the presence of difficulties with social communication and the manifestation of repetitive behaviors. Individuals with ASD often struggle to engage in reciprocal social interactions, which may include challenges in understanding social cues, maintaining conversations, and displaying appropriate emotional responses.

Repetitive behaviors can manifest as a range of actions, such as repetitive movements (e.g., hand-flapping), insistence on sameness, or intense fixation on specific topics. These behaviors are critical in the diagnosis of ASD and can significantly impact the individual's ability to navigate social settings.

The other options highlight traits that are generally inconsistent with ASD. For example, high interest in social interactions, enhanced visual-spatial skills, and the ability to effectively read social cues do not typically characterize individuals with autism; rather, individuals with ASD may find social interactions challenging and may not have enhanced abilities in reading social situations. Therefore, recognizing the difficulty with social communication and the presence of repetitive behaviors is vital in understanding autism spectrum disorder.