Final answer:
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a severe developmental disability, characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication, along with repetitive behaviors and varying degrees of impairment. ASD symptoms range widely, with some individuals also experiencing intellectual disabilities or epilepsy. Awareness and diagnostic rates of ASD have increased over the years.
Step-by-step explanation:
“Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)” refers to a severe developmental disability that impairs children's ability to communicate and relate to others. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a wide range of symptoms, abilities, and levels of impairment. Children with ASD may exhibit impaired social skills, such as difficulty making eye contact, reading social cues, or feeling empathy for others. Other symptoms of ASD include repetitive behaviors, strict adherence to routines, preoccupation with specific topics, and in some cases, intellectual disability. While some individuals with ASD may also develop epilepsy, others can have functional language skills and do not perceive themselves as suffering from a disorder but rather as having a different way of processing information. With a more prevalent diagnosis in males and an increased rate of diagnosis over recent years, awareness and understanding of ASD have grown significantly.