Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, is a developmental issue marked by social, behavioral, and communication challenges, typically appearing before the age of 3.
Autism is a complex topic. While it appears in the DSM—the standard text for diagnosing mental health conditions—many, especially those in the autism community, prefer to identify autism as a type of "neurodivergence." Rather than a disorder or mental illness, neurodivergence refers to the idea that autism is better identified as a brain difference.
Advocates in the autistic community have worked hard to increase our knowledge of autism and to reduce the stigmas, stereotypes, and myths that persist to this day.