What is a key characteristic of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

A key characteristic of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is their difficulties with social communication and interaction. This encompasses a range of challenges, including problems with understanding social cues, engaging in conversations, and forming relationships with peers and adults. Such challenges can manifest in various ways, such as limited eye contact, difficulty interpreting body language, and struggles with pragmatic language skills, which are crucial for effective communication in social contexts.

This characteristic is central to the diagnosis of ASD and emphasizes the need for targeted supports and interventions that can help these students improve their social skills and enhance their ability to communicate. Understanding this aspect is crucial for educators and caregivers to create supportive and inclusive environments tailored to the needs of students with autism. Recognizing the importance of social communication in the educational context can aid in the development of appropriate teaching strategies and promote positive outcomes for these students.