What are core characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Impairments in social communication are indeed a core characteristic of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Individuals with ASD often experience difficulties in understanding social cues, engaging in conversation, and forming relationships. This can manifest as challenges in initiating or maintaining conversations, interpreting non-verbal signals such as eye contact or body language, and understanding the perspectives of others. These social communication challenges are fundamental to the diagnosis of ASD and can significantly impact the individual’s ability to interact with peers and navigate social environments.

In contrast, the other options highlight traits or conditions that are not core characteristics of ASD. Delusions and hallucinations are more commonly associated with psychotic disorders rather than autism. Extreme shyness and introversion, while they might be observed in some individuals on the spectrum, are not defining features of ASD and can occur in the general population as well. Obsessive-compulsive traits may be present in some individuals with ASD, but they are not universally characteristic of the disorder. Instead, they are more associated with anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorders. Therefore, the focus on impairments in social communication accurately reflects the fundamental traits of Autism Spectrum Disorder.