Autism is a neurological difference in the nervous system which begins in utero.  Autistic individuals are neurodivergent.  This means they think, move, interact, sense and process differently to those who are neurotypical (source: Reframing Autism, reframingautism.org.au).  It can be challenging for your autistic child to navigate through a neurotypical world.  Communication and connecting with others can be difficult due to the differences in communication styles between autistic and non-autistic individuals.