Other Symptoms

Some people with ASD have other symptoms.

THESE MIGHT INCLUDE:

  • Hyperactivity (very active)

  • Impulsivity (acting without thinking)

  • Short attention span

  • Aggression

  • Causing self injury

  • Temper tantrums

  • Unusual eating and sleeping habits

  • Unusual mood or emotional reactions

  • Lack of fear or more fear than expected

  • Unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel

People with ASD might have unusual responses to touch, smell, sounds, sights, and taste, and feel. For example, they might over- or under-react to pain or to a loud noise. They might have abnormal eating habits. For instance, some people with an ASD limit their diet to only a few foods. Others might eat nonfood items like dirt or rocks (this is called pica). They might also have issues like chronic constipation or diarrhea.

People with ASD might have odd sleeping habits. They also might have abnormal moods or emotional reactions. For instance, they might laugh or cry at unusual times or show no emotional response at times you would expect one. In addition, they might not be afraid of dangerous things, and they could be fearful of harmless objects or events.