Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability that affects social interaction, communication and imaginative play skills. Children with autism often have delays and difficulties with spoken language, use of gestures and understanding other people’s feelings or their own emotions. They often show repetitive behaviours, restricted interests and may have trouble processing different sensory inputs like sound, touch, etc. The intellectual abilities range from gifted to severely challenge and the severity of symptoms and support needed varies from person to person.

The symptoms tend to emerge by 12 to 18 months of age, and most symptoms manifest between 2 and 3 years of age.