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 :
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → (A), (D) and (E) only
Autism spectrum disorder is marked by widespread impairments in social interaction and communication skills, and stereotyped patterns of behaviours, interests and activities.
(A) Difficulties in language Correct. Such children show serious abnormalities in communication and language that persist over time; many never develop speech, and those who do have repetitive and deviant speech patterns.
(B) Abuse of drugs and alcohol Incorrect. Regular abuse of drugs and alcohol marks the substance-related and addictive disorders, which alter the way people think, feel and behave. It is not a feature of a developmental disorder of childhood.
(C) Presence of delusions Incorrect. Delusions, false beliefs firmly held on inadequate grounds, are a positive symptom of schizophrenia, not a feature of autism spectrum disorder.
(D) Stereotyped patterns of behaviours Correct. Children with autism spectrum disorder show repetitive behaviours, such as lining up objects, and stereotyped body movements, such as rocking or hand flapping.
(E) Difficulties in expression of emotion Correct. They are unable to share experiences or emotions with others and seem unresponsive to other people’s feelings.
NCERT (2025-26): “Neurodevelopmental Disorders … 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.…” |