OAE Early Childhood Special Education (013) Practice Exam

The major characteristic of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is challenges with social communication and interaction. This encompasses a range of difficulties, including trouble understanding social cues, engaging in back-and-forth conversations, and forming relationships. Children with ASD may struggle to make eye contact, interpret body language, and understand the emotions of others, which can impact their ability to communicate effectively.

These challenges are central to the diagnosis of ASD and can manifest in various ways, such as difficulty initiating or maintaining conversations and challenges in understanding peer relationships. Recognizing this characteristic is crucial for educators and caregivers, as it helps inform interventions and support strategies tailored to the needs of children with ASD, fostering better social skills and communication abilities.

While the other options might describe various traits observed in children, they do not accurately capture the primary challenges specific to ASD.