Autism

Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental condition that affects how a person thinks, interacts with others, and experiences the world. It is called a "spectrum" because the symptoms can vary widely from person to person, and each individual experiences autism in their own unique way.

For some people, autism may cause significant challenges in social interactions, communication, and behavior. Others may have fewer difficulties and have more independence. Autism affects people of all ages, and symptoms can range from mild to severe.

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Some common traits of autism include:

• Difficulty with social interactions: People with autism may find it hard to understand social cues, like facial expressions or tone of voice. They might struggle with making friends or knowing how to start or maintain a conversation.

• Repetitive behaviors: Some people with autism engage in repetitive movements (like hand-flapping) or routines (like always eating the same food at the same time). They may find it comforting to have predictable patterns in their day.

• Focused interests: Many people with autism develop very intense interests in specific topics. These interests can become a special strength and source of knowledge, though they might seem unusual or intense to others.

• Sensory sensitivities: Some individuals with autism are highly sensitive to sensory inputs like bright lights, loud sounds, certain textures, or strong smells. Others may seem less sensitive or indifferent to things that would bother most people.

Autism can be diagnosed at any age, but it’s typically identified in early childhood, as many of the signs appear before the age of 3. Early intervention can help improve skills and support development.