Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by challenges in social skills, communication, and behavior, often presenting between the ages of 2 and 3. The DSM-5 consolidates previous diagnoses into autism spectrum disorder, characterized by social communication impairments and repetitive behaviors, with varying prevalence rates suggesting 1 in 68 children in the U.S. Various interventions, including applied behavior analysis and specialized therapy, are recommended to support individuals with autism, alongside ongoing research into its causes and effective treatments.