autism spectrum disorder

noun

variants or less commonly autistic spectrum disorder

plural autism spectrum disorders also autistic spectrum disorders

: a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically appears by age two, that is variable in expression but is usually diagnosed by persistent impairments in social interaction and communication and by stereotyped (see stereotyped sense 2) patterns of behavior, activities, or interests, and that may be accompanied by cognitive or language impairments : autism, asd

Autism spectrum disorder includes conditions previously called autism, pervasive developmental disorder and Asperger's syndrome. … Because of the range of symptoms, this condition is now called autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

—Jody Holton

While Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows that more men than women are estimated to have autism spectrum disorder, a growing number of women are coming forward with their own stories, sharing that they've been overlooked in depictions of autism, particularly stereotypical media that shows young, nonspeaking boys.

—Lily Altavena

Examples of autism spectrum disorder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sebat's lab studies causes and treatments for the genetic causes of autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. —Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2025

And beyond financial, physical and geographic barriers, in-person talk therapy can be challenging for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – even though it has been shown to be hugely beneficial for both conditions. —New Atlas, 16 Mar. 2025

The association between diet and autism spectrum disorder has arisen in recent years, causing controversy. —Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2025

Legal experts are weighing in on whether introducing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a defense could impact Bryan Kohberger's murder case. —Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for autism spectrum disorder

• boarder
• border
• corder
• order
• warder
• camcorder
• recorder
• reorder
• suborder
• transborder

Medical Definition

autism spectrum disorder

noun

variants also autistic spectrum disorder

: a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically appears by age two, that is variable in expression but is usually diagnosed by persistent impairments in social interaction and communication and by stereotyped (see stereotyped sense 2) patterns of behavior, activities, or interests, and that may be accompanied by cognitive or language impairments : autism, asd

Autism spectrum disorder includes conditions that were previously considered separate—autism, Asperger's syndrome, … and an unspecified form of pervasive developmental disorder.

—Mayo Clinic

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects approximately 2% of children in the United States. … Therapeutic interventions are most effective if applied early, yet diagnosis often remains delayed, partly because the diagnosis is based on identifying … behaviors that may not emerge until the disorder is well established.

—Patrick McCarty and Richard E. Frye, Seminars in Pediatric Neurology

Food selectivity, or "picky eating," is often observed in young children and is a frequent cause of parental concern. Food selectivity is more commonly reported in children with developmental disabilities, particularly in children with autism spectrum disorders …

—Linda G. Bandini et al., The Journal of Pediatrics