FTCE Exceptional Student Education (ESE) K-12 Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)?

1. Lack of social awareness

2. Unusual preoccupation with items

3. Advanced verbal communication skills

4. Lack of eye contact

The correct answer is: Advanced verbal communication skills

The choice identifying advanced verbal communication skills as not typically associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is accurate. Many individuals with ASD may exhibit difficulties in verbal communication, including delayed speech development or challenges in understanding and using language in social contexts. While some individuals on the spectrum may possess exceptional verbal skills or be highly articulate, it is not a general characteristic of the disorder. ASD is commonly associated with a range of communication challenges, particularly in social interactions, which can include focusing on topics of interest to the exclusion of typical conversational exchanges and difficulties in using or interpreting nonverbal cues. Therefore, advanced verbal communication skills do not align with the predominant characteristics typically observed in individuals with ASD.