Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that refers to wide range of conditions generally manifesting in the first few years of life and tending to persist into adolescence and adulthood.  It is a lifelong developmental disability that mainly affects social communication. This introduction to ASD describes characteristics of autism, including social communication, repetitive behaviors, thinking and learning, and how to support learners with ASD.

From a very early age, children with autism spectrum disorder are observed with problems in interacting with other people. They also have complications with processing social and non-verbal forms of communication which includes eye contact and facial expression. Cognitive (thinking and language) and social skills are primarily developmentally delayed compared to their fellows without the disorder. However, their motor (movement) skills develop in a more typical way.

Interestingly, there is not one type of autism but many subtypes, most influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a particular set of strengths and challenges. The ways in which people with autism learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged, depending on the level with which the individual is affected. Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.

Once established, autistic symptoms continue into adulthood. The symptoms range in severity (across individuals) from relatively mild to severe and debilitating. In all but mild cases, autism interferes with typical development and makes it difficult or impossible for affected adults to live and work independently. Though intervention cannot reverse the course of autism, it can result in symptom improvement and a greater capability for independence. For intervention to be maximally successful, however, it must be delivered early in the developmental process, shortly after the diagnosis of autism is first made.

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