oblems in both verbal and non-verbal communication. They often have significantly delayed language development, and if they have language skills, they struggle to maintain a conversation with another person. (Harris, 1994).Another characteristic of students with autism is a very limited range of interests, such as a student who is fascinated with motorcycles to the exclusion of nearly everything else. When they have such an interest, students with autism can spend literally hours upon hours absorbed in a private world of exploration. They might act bored with every activity unless it relates to their special interest. Sean Barron, in his book Theres a Boy in There describes his fixation with chains, One of my favorite things was chains; I loved the texture of chains. Each link looked the same and even felt the same as all the others. Because the chains on our garage were too high for me to reach, they were very mysterious to me- I wanted so much to touch them, but I had to use a stick instead. Since I couldnt reach them with my hands, I made them swing. I really loved the repetition of the swinging movement- I wanted to see the chains from all different heights and angles. The more I saw them swing, the more entranced I became, and the more I wanted to do nothing but watch them. It was what I loved. It was my routine. My mother kept trying to interrupt me, but that never stopped me. (Barron, 1992). One possible reason for insistence on sameness may be the persons inability to understand and cope with new situations and a need to stay in their comfort zone. People with autism may have abnormal responses to sounds, odors, touch or other sensory stimulation. Many students with autism respond to stress with stereotypic behaviors. They complete the action again and again. Some common examples are: lining up toys or objects, drinking and/or eating the same food items at every meal, wearing certain clothing or insisting that others wear the sa...
