What characteristic is associated with impaired communication in individuals with autism?

Impaired communication in individuals with autism is often associated with a lack of social engagement. This characteristic reflects the challenges that many individuals on the autism spectrum face in developing reciprocal communication skills, including initiating conversations, maintaining eye contact, and understanding social cues. These difficulties can lead to reduced interactions and may result in less frequent or meaningful engagement with peers and caregivers.

Social engagement is critical for effective communication, as it involves the exchange of information and emotional expression between individuals. For those with autism, the absence of typical social engagement patterns can impede their ability to communicate effectively, making it challenging to establish connections with others or to express themselves in social contexts.

While cognitive capabilities, verbal expression, and emotional sensitivity can vary widely among individuals with autism, the specific link to communication challenges prominently aligns with the lack of social engagement. This characteristic underscores the importance of social skills development in supporting effective communication in individuals on the spectrum.