Autism Spectrum Disorders Are Not Rare

Social Cognition: People with ASDs have difficulty with theory of mind. This refers to their ability to understand, differentiate, and identify thoughts, feelings, and intentions of others from their own. It significantly affects their ability to be empathetic (Autism Speaks, 2014). People with ASD also often lack central coherence, which is an ability to integrate details into a larger picture. These details can include context and visual cues (Frith & Happe, 1994). Each of these can greatly affect a person’s ability to interact with others. Central Coherence and Theory of Mind make it hard to keep a focused shared attention. Language Skills and Reciprocity: Children with ASD suffer many conversation challenges and often have problems with reciprocity. This means they have difficulty initiating conversation and responding to others who try to start conversation. They have poor turn taking skills and often their responses don’t relate to the topic that is introduced. Their responses may seem like scripted language or echolalia of the most recent statement (Owens, 2013). Children with ASD will have problems using verbal and non-verbal communication; these verbal limitations include impaired acquisition of words, word combinations, and syntax. They also tend to provide information that is excessive, inappropriate, and unnecessary (ASHA, 2014). Cognitive Skills: Children with ASD