What developmental behavioral sign is indicative of autism spectrum disorder?

Difficulty with social interactions and communication is a key developmental behavioral sign indicative of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children with ASD often struggle to understand social cues and may find it challenging to engage in typical back-and-forth conversations. They may avoid eye contact, have difficulty interpreting body language and facial expressions, and experience trouble forming and maintaining relationships with peers. These social communication deficits are central to the diagnosis of ASD and can vary significantly in severity among individuals.

While excessive sensitivity to sound can be associated with ASD, it is not specific to the disorder and can occur in other conditions. Rapid language acquisition typically does not occur in individuals with ASD; rather, many may show delays or atypical patterns in language development. Refusal to eat solid foods may be seen in children with various feeding issues or preferences but does not specifically indicate autism. Hence, the hallmark features related to ASD primarily revolve around difficulties in social communication and interaction.