Which of the following describes a core characteristic of individuals with autism?

The characteristic that describes individuals with autism is variability in skills and abilities. This variability means that individuals on the autism spectrum can exhibit a wide range of strengths and challenges across different domains, including communication, social interaction, and cognitive functions. For example, some individuals may excel in specific areas such as mathematics or art, while facing difficulties in developing social skills or understanding non-verbal communication. This diverse profile is a hallmark of autism and underscores the need for personalized approaches in education and therapy to accommodate each individual’s unique set of abilities and challenges.

In contrast, suggesting high intelligence across all areas does not accurately represent the neurodiversity within the autism spectrum, as individuals can have different intellectual capabilities. The idea of uniform social communication skills overlooks the diversity of abilities and challenges related to social interactions among individuals with autism, since they can vary significantly. Lastly, a preference for social interaction is not universally true for those on the spectrum; many may have different levels of interest in socializing, ranging from very sociable to preferring solitude. Hence, variability in skills and abilities captures the essence of the autism spectrum more accurately.