Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges.  There aren't physical characteristics that identify a person with Autism, but people with ASD may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. The learning, thinking, and problem-solving abilities of people with ASD can range from gifted to severely challenged. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others need less.