Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that begins early in childhood and lasts throughout a person’s life. It affects how a person acts and interacts with others, communicates, and learns. It is called a “spectrum” disorder because people with ASD can have a range of symptoms. People with ASD might have problems talking with you, or they might not look you in the eye when you talk to them. They may also have restricted interests and repetitive behaviours. They may spend a lot of time putting things in order, or they may say the same sentence again and again. They may often seem to be in their “own world. “The causes of ASD are not known. Research suggests that both genes and environment play important roles.