Which term describes a disability characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication, often with repetitive behaviors?

Which term describes a disability characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication, often with repetitive behaviors?

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

Answer: (A)

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by challenges in social interaction and communication, often accompanied by repetitive or restricted behaviors. This combination of features directly fits the description in the question, making it the best label for the described disability. Developmental delay refers to slower overall development across multiple areas and doesn’t specifically capture the social‑communication difficulties with repetitive behaviors. Deafness and hearing impairment involve limitations in hearing and can affect communication, but they do not inherently include the pattern of social interaction challenges and repetitive behaviors that autism characteristically presents. Because autism centers on those social-communication difficulties and repetitive behaviors, it is the most accurate term.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by challenges in social interaction and communication, often accompanied by repetitive or restricted behaviors. This combination of features directly fits the description in the question, making it the best label for the described disability. Developmental delay refers to slower overall development across multiple areas and doesn’t specifically capture the social‑communication difficulties with repetitive behaviors. Deafness and hearing impairment involve limitations in hearing and can affect communication, but they do not inherently include the pattern of social interaction challenges and repetitive behaviors that autism characteristically presents. Because autism centers on those social-communication difficulties and repetitive behaviors, it is the most accurate term.