Which term describes a disability that affects social interactions and communication, typically evident before age 3?

Which term describes a disability that affects social interactions and communication, typically evident before age 3?

• A. Autism
• B. Deafness
• C. Hearing impairment
• D. Developmental delay

Answer: (A)

Autism is a developmental difference characterized by persistent difficulties in social communication and social interaction, often accompanied by restricted and repetitive behaviors, interests, or activities. These challenges typically appear before age three, which is why autism is identified in early childhood as affecting how a child relates to others and communicates. Deafness or hearing impairment involve the sense of hearing and can impact communication, but they’re not defined by patterns of social interaction across contexts. Developmental delay is a broader term for slower development in multiple areas, not specific to social communication in the way autism is. For the description given, autism fits most precisely.

Autism is a developmental difference characterized by persistent difficulties in social communication and social interaction, often accompanied by restricted and repetitive behaviors, interests, or activities. These challenges typically appear before age three, which is why autism is identified in early childhood as affecting how a child relates to others and communicates. Deafness or hearing impairment involve the sense of hearing and can impact communication, but they’re not defined by patterns of social interaction across contexts. Developmental delay is a broader term for slower development in multiple areas, not specific to social communication in the way autism is. For the description given, autism fits most precisely.