Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It is called a “spectrum” disorder because the symptoms and severity can vary widely from person to person.

The exact cause of autism is not fully understood, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Symptoms of autism can include:

Difficulty with social interaction, such as making eye contact, responding to social cues, and engaging in conversation.

Repetitive or restrictive behaviors, such as repeating certain actions or movements or becoming fixated on specific objects or interests.

Sensory processing issues, such as being overly sensitive or under-responsive to certain sensory stimuli, such as touch or sound.