Which developmental condition features difficulty with social skills, a preference for routine, and avoidance of eye contact?

• A. Autism
• B. ADD/ADHD
• C. Cerebral palsy
• D. Alzheimer's disease

Answer: (A)

Autism spectrum disorder is defined by differences in social communication and interaction, along with restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. A common feature described is a preference for sameness or routines, and many individuals with autism may avoid eye contact as part of how they engage socially. This combination—social difficulties plus a strong preference for routine and reduced eye contact—fits autism best.

ADD/ADHD centers on inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, with social challenges possible but not defining. Cerebral palsy is primarily a motor disability that can affect movement and coordination, sometimes with speech differences, but it isn’t characterized by the specific social-communication profile described. Alzheimer’s disease involves progressive memory and cognitive decline in older adults, not a developmental pattern seen in children.