What is a key characteristic of autism seen in a child with a tracheostomy who does not respond to questions?

The characteristic of autism that is highlighted in this scenario is the inability to respond, which is indeed a recognized behavior associated with the condition. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit challenges in verbal communication and social interaction. This can manifest as a lack of response to questions, which is not necessarily due to a lack of understanding, but rather a social communication deficit inherent to autism.

While other factors like anxiety in the hospital setting or cognitive issues due to fatigue might affect a child's responsiveness, they do not specifically align with the hallmark features of autism. The difficulty in engaging in typical back-and-forth social exchanges is a core characteristic of autism. Thus, recognizing this behavior as part of the spectrum is critical for appropriate assessment and intervention tailored to support the child's communication needs.