Autism, also called autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction, communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior.
Parents often notice signs during the first three years of their child's life. These signs often develop gradually, though some autistic children experience worsening in their communication and social skills after reaching developmental milestones at a normal place. Prevalence is estimated at 0.11% in rural India and 0.09% in Urban India as per the research article published in Neurology India, in 2019. This estimate represents an average figure, and reported prevalence varies substantially across studies. Autism is correlated with sahaja vyadhi in Ayurveda.