In contrast with their indifference to people, those with autism
may become preoccupied with a particular object or activity,
pursuing it for several hours at a time in a repetitive manner. They
display repetitiveness in other ways also. Many are intolerant of
change in their daily routines, insisting on doing things exactly the
same way everytime. This is why adults with autism work great
with repetitive jobs.
Those with autism may also respond in strange ways to the events
and situations that they encounter. Their responses can be baffling
since most are unable to describe what thay are experiencing. Nearly
half are mute; often those who can speak use words in unusual
ways; rather than answer a question by saying yes, they may
simply repreat the question (a phenomenon called echolalia).
Some use expressions that seem strangely out of place and can only
be understood by those familiar with their "code". For instance,
one may use the phrase "It's all dark outside" as his term "window".
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