The child can also demonstrate challenging behaviour, such as running away, screaming, biting or kicking other people, grabbing things from counters in shops, socially unacceptable habits, or making na ve and embarrassing remarks. Special skills About 10 per cent of children with autistic spectrum disorders have some special skill at a much higher level than the rest of their abilities - for example, music, art, numerical calculations or jigsaw puzzles. Some have a remarkable memory for dates and things that particularly interest them. Back to the top Other disabilities associated with autism Autistic spectrum disorders can occur in association with any other physical or psychological disability, such as cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, dyslexia, a language disorder, or generalised learning disability. Epilepsy occurs in about one-third of those with typical autism and is more common if there is also severe learning disability.
Fits can begin in infancy, childhood, adolescence or even adult life.
In some, the fits occur only with fever. Some teenagers might have one or two and then no more. Other children or adolescents have recurrent fits for many years or all their lives. None of these conditions can 'explain away' autistic behaviour. If autism is present as well as another disability, it is essential that this is recognised, since it has important implications for treatment and prognosis.