Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, and behaves. It is called a “spectrum” because symptoms and severity can vary widely among individuals.

Key Characteristics of Autism:

1. Social difficulties – challenges in understanding social cues, forming relationships, or engaging in typical social interactions.
2. Communication challenges – may include delayed speech, limited language use, or difficulty with nonverbal communication like eye contact and gestures.
3. Repetitive behaviors – such as hand-flapping, lining up objects, or repeating words (echolalia).
4. Strong interests or routines – intense focus on specific topics or resistance to changes in routine.
5. Sensory sensitivities – over- or under-reactivity to lights, sounds, textures, or smells.

Important Notes:

• Autism appears in early childhood, usually before age 3.
• The causes are not fully understood but may include a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
• There is no cure, but early intervention, therapy, and support can help individuals lead meaningful, independent lives.

Autism is not an illness—it’s a different way of experiencing and processing the world.