Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and communication and interaction difficulties. Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning that each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges, and the ways in which people with autism learn, think, and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently. Autism is not an illness or disease, but a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Signs of autism usually appear before a child turns 3, and some associated development delays can appear even earlier. Autism is often accompanied by sensory sensitivities and medical issues such as gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizures, or sleep disorders, as well as mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and attention issues. Autistic people can live a full life, and being autistic does not have to stop them from having a good life. Autistic people are born with autism and are autistic their whole life. Autism is different for everyone, and it is a spectrum, which means everybody with autism is different.