Common Characteristics

Social Communication
• Different patterns of verbal and nonverbal communication
• Challenges with social-emotional reciprocity
• Difficulty with developing and maintaining relationships
• Unique ways of expressing emotions and needs
Behavioral Patterns
• Repetitive motor movements or speech
• Strong preference for routines and predictability
• Highly focused interests
• Sensory sensitivities or seeking behaviors
Strengths & Abilities
• Exceptional attention to detail and pattern recognition
• Strong systematic and logical thinking abilities
• Deep expertise in areas of special interest
• Honest and direct communication style
• Strong sense of justice and fairness
• Ability to think outside conventional frameworks
Brain Regions Involved
Primary Areas
• Amygdala: Emotional processing and social cues
• Prefrontal Cortex: Executive function and social behavior
• Temporal Lobe: Language and communication processing
• Cerebellum: Motor coordination and social cognition
Neural Networks
• Default Mode Network: Self-referential thinking
• Social Brain Network: Social cognition and theory of mind
• Sensory Processing Networks: Integration of sensory information
Support Strategies
• Create predictable routines and clear expectations
• Provide sensory accommodations as needed
• Use visual supports and clear, concrete language
• Allow processing time and respect communication differences
• Focus on strengths and special interests
• Promote self-advocacy and self-determination