Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum disorder” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees.

Early identification and intervention is key to addressing the needs of children with autism. Therapeutic resources, including toys, are neither numerous nor readily accessible to many families. Children with autism present unique behavioral and developmental needs that resources for typical children may or may not address.