What is associated with social interactions and communication difficulties in autism?

The choice focusing on verbal and nonverbal communication accurately highlights a core characteristic of autism spectrum disorder. Individuals with autism often experience significant challenges in both expressing themselves verbally and understanding nonverbal cues, such as body language, gestures, and facial expressions. This difficulty can lead to barriers in social interactions, as effective communication is crucial for developing relationships and engaging with others.

A child's ability to convey thoughts, emotions, and needs through speech, as well as their ability to interpret the subtleties of social interactions, directly impacts their capacity to connect with peers and navigate social situations. Therefore, the emphasis on communication challenges in the context of autism aligns well with observed traits in individuals on the spectrum. Understanding these challenges is essential for educators and caregivers to provide appropriate support and foster better communication skills.