Yes, autism is considered a disability. Autism is a developmental disability that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction. People with autism may experience difficulties in social communication, impaired social interaction, repetitive behavior, and difficulty with transitions.
People with autism typically have difficulty with communication, both verbal and nonverbal. They may have difficulty understanding and using language, expressing their thoughts and feelings, and understanding the body language and non-verbal cues of others. They may also have difficulty interpreting social cues and understanding the perspectives of others.
People with autism may also experience difficulties with social interaction, including difficulty with forming relationships, recognizing emotions, initiating conversations, and engaging in interactive play. They may have difficulty understanding the concept of reciprocal communication, and may appear uninterested in others or may be overly dependent on others.
People with autism often display repetitive and restricted behavior. This can take the form of repetitive movements, such as hand-flapping or rocking, or they may engage in repetitive activities such as lining up objects or arranging items in a certain order. They may also become fixated on certain topics or objects, and may be resistant to change.
Finally, people with autism may have difficulty with transitions and changes in routine. This can include difficulty with changes in routine, such as transitions between activities or changes in environment. They may also have difficulty with change in routine, such as changes in the time or location of activities.
Autism is a complex disorder that affects people in a variety of ways and to varying degrees; however, all of these difficulties can lead to significant impairments in functioning and can qualify a person for disability services and accommodations.