Which of the following is a characteristic of autism?

Extreme social withdrawal is indeed a characteristic commonly associated with autism. Individuals on the autism spectrum often struggle with social interactions and may exhibit significant difficulties in understanding social cues, making eye contact, or engaging in reciprocal conversations. This can lead to a tendency to withdraw from social situations or to prefer solitary activities over group interactions.

While some individuals with autism may possess high cognitive abilities or advanced language skills, these traits are not universally applicable, as autism presents a wide range of characteristics that vary greatly from one individual to another. Additionally, the idea of complete sensory tolerance is misleading; many individuals with autism experience heightened or altered sensory sensitivities rather than a complete tolerance to sensory stimuli. Therefore, social withdrawal accurately reflects a common experience among those with autism.