Final answer:
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the childhood disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication, paired with repetitive behaviors or interests.
Step-by-step explanation:
The childhood disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication, along with repetitive patterns of behavior or interests, is known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD includes a range of conditions that affect each individual to varying degrees, manifesting in challenges with social skills, nonverbal and verbal communication, and the presence of restrictive and repetitive behaviors. It is important to understand that while ASD entails a spectrum, individuals with ASD may show a great diversity in abilities, with some experiencing significant challenges and others having strong language and intellectual skills.