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.

Common 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.

Call your health care provider if

Call your provider if your child exhibits autistic behavior but is not known to be autistic.

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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.