Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects a person's social communication, behavior, and sensory processing. It's called a "spectrum" disorder because it manifests differently in each individual. Some common characteristics and features of ASD include:

1. Social Challenges: People with ASD may have difficulty with social interactions and may struggle with understanding and responding to social cues, making eye contact, and forming relationships.

2. Communication Difficulties: Many individuals with ASD have challenges with communication. This can range from delayed speech development to difficulty with conversational skills and non-verbal communication (e.g., gestures and facial expressions).

3. Repetitive Behaviors: People with ASD often engage in repetitive behaviors or have specific interests that they focus on intensely. These can include repetitive movements (like hand-flapping), insistence on sameness, or intense interest in specific topics.

4. Sensory Sensitivities: Sensory sensitivities are common in individuals with ASD. They may be hypersensitive (overreacting to sensory input) or hyposensitive (underreacting to sensory input) to various stimuli like lights, sounds, textures, or smells.

5. Strengths and Special Interests: Many individuals with ASD have strengths and talents, often in areas like mathematics, music, or art. They may also have specific and intense interests in particular subjects.

6. Routine and Predictability: Many individuals with ASD find comfort in routines and predictability, and disruptions to their routines can be distressing.

It's important to note that ASD is a lifelong condition, and early intervention and support are crucial to help individuals with ASD develop their skills and reach their full potential. Treatment and support for individuals with ASD can include behavioral therapies, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and educational interventions tailored to their specific needs.

The understanding of autism has evolved over time, and the term "Asperger's syndrome," once considered a separate diagnosis, is now generally included within the broader category of ASD in diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition).

It's also worth mentioning that individuals with ASD can have a wide range of abilities and challenges, and there is a growing recognition of neurodiversity, which emphasizes the value of different neurological profiles and the strengths that individuals with ASD can bring to society. Support and acceptance are essential for individuals with ASD to thrive.