Autistic behavior

Definition:

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

Considerations:

Autistic behavior involves absent or poorly developed verbal and nonverbal communication skills, abnormal socialization (lack of need for socialization), social withdrawal, inability to make friends, repetitive body movements, ritualistic behavior, lack of eye contact, and various speech pattern abnormalities.

Several infectious and neurological diseases can produce symptoms mimicking autism.

Common Causes:

infantile autism
deafness
mental retardation
metabolic degenerative CNS 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:

your child exhibits autistic behavior, and the child is not known to be autistic.

Review Date: 5/24/2002
Reviewed By: Elizabeth Hait, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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