a mental disorder characterized by inability to engage in normal social interactions and intense self-absorption, and usually accompanied by other symptoms such as language dysfunctions and repetitive behavior.

behavior showing an abnormal level of absorption with one's own thoughts and disregard for external realities.

a disorder more common in boys than girls, with behavior ranging from mild to severe, that adversely affects the brainis normal development of social and communication skills and can include impaired verbal and nonverbal communication and restricted and repetitive behavior patterns.

Autism, also called autistic disorder, is a complex developmental disability that appears in early childhood, usually before age 3. Autism prevents children and adolescents from interacting normally with other people and affects almost every aspect of their social and psychological development.