Definitions:

1. A neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. NOUN
   • Because he has autism, he has a hard time holding conversations and interacting with his friends at school.
2. A variable developmental disorder that appears by age three and is characterized especially by difficulties in forming and maintaining social relationships, by impairment of the ability to communicate verbally or nonverbally, and by repetitive behavior patterns and restricted interests and activities. noun
   • No known factors in the psychological environment of a child have been shown to cause autism.

Synonyms:

• ASD
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Autistic spectrum