Which developmental disability affects social skills and communication?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and communication difficulties. Individuals with ASD often struggle to engage in typical social interactions, such as understanding social cues, making eye contact, and maintaining conversations. Communication may also be affected, with some individuals being nonverbal or having delayed speech development. These features are central to the diagnosis of ASD, highlighting its impact on both socialization and communication abilities.

Cerebral palsy primarily affects movement and muscle coordination, not specifically the social or communication aspects of development. Intellectual disability may involve delays in learning and cognitive function, which can influence social skills, but it does not solely define or encompass the specific communication challenges found in ASD. Down syndrome can also affect communication abilities and social skills, but the distinct characteristics associated with ASD make it the primary developmental disability linked specifically to social skills and communicative impairments.