Takahiro Mizushima

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, impaired verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior. Parents usually notice signs in the first two years of their child's life.[6] These signs often develop gradually, though some children with autism reach their developmental milestones at a normal pace and then regress.[7] The diagnostic criteria require that symptoms become apparent in early childhood, typically before age three.[8]