What characteristic is commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder in relation to communication?

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit significant challenges when it comes to social communication and interaction. This can manifest in various ways, including difficulties in understanding nonverbal cues, maintaining conversations, and comprehending social norms. For instance, a person with ASD may struggle with initiating or sustaining a dialogue and may not respond appropriately to social exchanges. They might also find it challenging to develop and maintain relationships due to these communication hurdles.

In contrast, many of the other options do not accurately reflect the characteristic communication issues associated with ASD. While some individuals with autism may have high verbal skills or be able to mimic speech patterns, this is not typical for the majority. Sensory processing issues can occur in individuals with autism but are not solely related to communication and do not define the communication characteristics of the disorder. Focusing on social communication deficits provides a clearer understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with autism.