Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental condition that impacts individuals' social interactions, communication abilities, learning, and behavior. While autism can be identified at any stage of life, it is referred to as a "developmental disorder" due to the fact that symptoms typically manifest within the initial two years of a person's life.

Symptoms of autism in children include failing to respond to their name, avoiding eye contact, not reciprocating smiles, becoming highly distressed by certain tastes, smells, or sounds, engaging in repetitive movements like hand flapping or finger flicking, and speaking less than their peers.