Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological deficit that causes impairements with communication, social interactions, and repetitive and restricted behaviors or interests. Some children begin to display symptoms with the first 12 months of age. In others, symptoms may not present until 24 months or older. ASD can last throughout a person's entire life span, although therapuetic services can help symptoms improve over time. No two cases of ASD are the same and the degree of severity varies by individuals. Symptoms include (this list is not exclusive):

Communication Challenges

• Difficulties with Receptive (understanding words) and Expressive (using words) language

• Using gestures

• Making eye contact

• Recognizing or using facial expressions

• Recognizing or using varied tone of voice

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Social Interaction Challenges

• Joint play with peers

• Recognizing emotions in others and/or self

• Expressing emotion

• Forming and maintaining peer relationships

• Gauging personal space

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Restrictive & Repetitive Behavior(s)

• Repetitive body novements (i.e. rocking, hand flapping, spinning, running back and forth)

• Repetitive motions with objects (i.e. spinning wheels, stacking, spinning objects)

• Restricted or extreme interest in specific topics

• Ritualistic behavior(s) (i.e. lining up objects, repeatedly doing things in a set order)

• Routine dependent/restistant to change