A serious developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact. Autism spectrum disorder impacts the nervous system and affects the overall cognitive, emotional, social and physical health of the affected individual. The range and severity of symptoms can vary widely. Common symptoms include difficulty with communication, difficulty with social interactions, obsessive interests and repetitive behaviours. Early recognition, as well as behavioural, educational and family therapies may reduce symptoms and support development and learning.
These are some of the characteristics of ASD:
problems with social interaction with others. ... unusual interest in objects. need for sameness. great variation in abilities. under or over reaction to one or more of the five senses: sight, touch, taste, smell, or hearing. repeated actions or body movements.