Which of the following statements are often characteristic of Autism Spectrum Disorder?

(A) Difficulties in language

(B) Abuse of drugs and alcohol

(C) Presence of delusions

(D) Stereotyped patterns of behaviours

(E) Difficulties in expression of emotion

Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

(A), (D) and (E) only

Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterised by widespread impairments in social interaction and communication skills, and stereotyped patterns of behaviours, interests and activities. Children with autism spectrum disorder have marked difficulties in social interaction and communication across different contexts, a restricted range of interests, and strong desire for routine. About 70 per cent of children with autism spectrum disorder have intellectual disabilities. Children with autism spectrum disorder experience profound difficulties in relating to other people. They are unable to initiate social behaviour and seem unresponsive to other people’s feelings. They are unable to share experiences or emotions with others. They also show serious abnormalities in communication and language that persist over time. Many of them never develop speech and those who do, have repetitive and deviant speech patterns. Such children often show narrow patterns of interests and repetitive behaviours such as lining up objects or stereotyped body movements such as rocking. These motor movements may be self-stimulatory such as hand flapping or self-injurious such as banging their head against the wall. Due to the nature of these difficulties in terms of verbal and non-verbal communication, individuals with autism spectrum disorder tend to experience difficulties in starting, maintaining and even understanding relationships.