Determining factors of autism

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Aside from the official DSM 5 criteria, what aspects the autism do you consider most defining of its entity? What characteristics are present amongst most, if not all individuals with autism spectrum disorders?

For example:

. Attention to detail
. A lack of social cognition
. Though processes (elaborate)

We are Living, breathing, people - not animals, not cartoons, not alien or Neanderthal hybrids, not mutants, not the next step in evolution - we are human people.

That doesn't define autism, that defines everybody.

From my experience I would say the difficulty in maintaining eye contact is a big indicator for most of us with autism. Also, the adherence to strict routines is common in many of us. I can say that most people who know me will comment on my special intense interest of roller coasters (house plans too). And now here is a biggy ... sensory issues ... especially bright lights and repetitive/annoying noises. These were four defining indicators that came to my mind when I saw the OP. I hope that helps.

I've seen others on here say that probably the most common characteristic that comes with autism is being in your own world. Also, I have yet to see anyone diagnosed with ASD that doesn't have at least some sensory issues.

Exactly.

I'm just trying to pre-empt any attempt to define people with autism as anything other than human, such as saying that we're "the next step in human evolution" or some such nonsense.

Last edited by Fnord on 09 Dec 2014, 11:12 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Monotropism
Sensory issues
Slow or inconsistent social cognition (not necessarily a lack of it)

Social cognition deficits are most important in my opinion.

Non-social traits that are particularly important in my opinion are singular special interest pursued intensely and detail-oriented processing of eberrything.