Autism is a developmental disorder that impairs social interaction and communication. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of complex neurodevelopmental disorders, characterized by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors.

ASD affects about 1 in 68 children in the United States. Boys are four times more likely to have autism than girls. There is no single cause for autism, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.