Which student is demonstrating characteristics most often associated with autism spectrum disorder?

The choice reflects characteristics commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), particularly in how the student interacts with peers and engages in social play. Students with ASD may display restricted interests and exhibit difficulties in social communication and interaction. The second option highlights a kindergarten student who does not participate in play, which can indicate challenges in social skills and an interest that is highly specific and intense—talking exclusively about astronomy. This level of focus on a narrow topic, combined with a lack of engagement in more typical social play, aligns well with traits often observed in students on the autism spectrum.

In contrast, the first choice describes a student who enjoys group games, indicating an ability to interact socially, which is not typically associated with ASD. The third choice presents a student who frequently seeks help from teachers; while this could suggest challenges, it does not specifically align with characteristics of autism. Lastly, the fourth option describes a student excelling in social studies, which again focuses more on academic performance rather than social engagement, the latter being a significant factor in assessing traits related to ASD. Thus, the characteristics presented in the second option most clearly exemplify the typical manifestations of autism spectrum disorder.