Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a broad neuro-developmental disorder the causes of which are unknown and it is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Since autism is a spectrum disorder, symptoms varies between individuals and each person has different functioning abilities and challenges.
ASD has two main characteristics:
Difficulties with social communication and interaction- difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication and deficits in initiating, developing, maintaining and understanding of social relationships with peers.
Restricted interests, repetitive behavior- inflexible adherence to routines, Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech. Insistence on sameness or ritualized patterns or verbal and nonverbal behavior and restrictive activities preferences.
Other characteristics may include hyper- or hypo reactivity to sensory input or unusual interests in sensory aspects of the environment, and difficulties in high cognitive functioning (such as planning, initiation, problem solving and monitoring).
ASD prevalence increases worldwide and current autism estimates is that one in 44 children is identified with ASD. It is more than 4 times more common among boys than among girls.