Those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may display a range of signs and symptoms that can vary from mild to severe. These symptoms include: - Adhering to a strict routine every day and getting very anxious if/when it changes. - Avoiding eye contact. - Finding it difficult to make friends. - Finding it difficult to put words to how you’re feeling. - Finding it hard to understand or empathize with what others are thinking or feeling. - Getting anxious in or about social situations. - Getting upset if someone encroaches on your personal space or touches you. - Having very keen interest in certain subjects, tasks, or activities. - Liking to have a plan for things and feeling uncomfortable if those plans change. - Not being aware of personal space and getting too close to other people. - Not understanding social cues and "rules". - Noticing small details, patterns, or stimuli that others don’t. - Preferring to be on your own because other people don’t really make sense to you. - Seeming blunt, rude, or uninterested in other people without meaning to. - Taking sarcasm or certain types of phrases very literally. Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning that symptoms will vary in their presentation, over time, and in terms of severity.