Areas of strengths vary but include: logical or visual thinking, persistence, an eye for detail, good skills with technology, and a memory for facts and figures

Very strong focus on specific interest areas

Deep interest in typical topics such as Pokémon, sport, Disney, or trains, or more unusual topics (e.g., air conditioners or bins)

Up to 20% of Autistic people have exceptional or above-average skills in one or more areas such as reading, math, art, mechanics, music, or memory.

Communicate honestly and directly

A dislike or difficulty with small talk, sarcasm or understanding jokes

Repeating words or phrases in a way that can seem out of context

Not using or understanding gestures like pointing

Using sounds, signs, gestures or pictures to communicate instead of spoken words

Taking extra time to understand spoken information

Discomfort in busy complex social situations

Might prefer to play alone or next to others more than with them

An ability to pay attention without making eye contact

Using or responding to body language differently

Social interactions are often misunderstood by non-autistic people.

Preference for leisure based on passions

Non-traditional play such as repetitive lining up of toys

Preferring to do things in the same way

Comfortable socializing through technology such as phones, video conferencing or online chats and games

Being constantly more aware of some sensations (sounds, smells, tastes, touch, etc.)

Feeling distressed or overwhelmed if there are too many sensations at once (loud noises, lots of touching, bright lights, etc.)

Working hard to avoid distress by covering ears, or hiding in quiet places to block out sensations.

Discomfort with touch such as clothing, tags, or light touch from others.

Seeking sensory experiences by smelling food, flicking fingers in front of lights

Not noticing internal sensations like hunger or pain.

An uneven pattern of thinking abilities

An ability to focus on one thing for a very long time

Difficulty switching from one thing to another

An ability to notice specific details, patterns, or changes that other people are unaware of

A strong, sometimes overwhelming, emotional connection to others

Repeating movements such as flapping hands or pacing around to show excited or to help cope with stress

Delay in learning to understand and regulate emotions

Difficulties understanding how non-autistic people think in some situations (just as non-autistic people have difficulty understanding autistic people).