ASD

abbreviation or noun

ˌā-ˌes-ˈdē 

plural ASDs

: 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 spectrum disorder, autism

As any teacher or parent can tell you, every student learns differently, including individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

—Daily Courier (Connellsville, Pennsylvania)

ASD occurs on a broad continuum of severity. Some people with ASD experience only mild challenges. For others, the condition interferes with everyday life.

—Janice Rodden

The number of diagnosed cases of ASDs and the number of children receiving services for ASDs have increased markedly in the past decade.

—Joseph Piven and Peter Rabins

Examples of ASD in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

About 1 in 36 children now have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), compared to about 1 in 150 in 2000. —Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 9 Dec. 2024

That work has revealed a possible connection between ASD and autoimmune conditions, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). —Markham Heid, TIME, 26 July 2024

In the viral video, which has also since been deleted, the creator had added captions implying that the boy, who was 10 at the time, had autism spectrum disorder (ASD). —Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 8 Oct. 2024

For example, students with ASD benefit from minimizing auditory and visual distractions, with sensory-sensitive elements to avoid overload. —Hashim Hayat, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024

Some studies found that weighted blankets provided limited sleep improvements for children with conditions like ADHD or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). —New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2024

This can include children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, Down syndrome, physical disabilities, or any condition that sets them apart. —Sherri Gordon, Clc, Parents, 20 June 2024

In the United States, it is estimated that approximately 1.4 million children and 700,000 adults are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). —Nick Kasmik, USA TODAY, 10 May 2024

In other words, those with ASD may display different characteristics than people with ADHD. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 17 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

ASD

abbreviation or noun

: 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 spectrum disorder, autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. … The abilities of people with ASD can vary significantly. For example, some people with ASD may have advanced conversation skills whereas others may be nonverbal. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others can work and live with little to no support.

—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The neurodiversity movement holds that ASD is characterized not merely by impediments, but also by normal functioning, as well as cognitive strengths. ASD, on this account, may be best understood as a cognitive difference, not as a shortcoming.

—Deborah R. Barnbaum, Ethics and Neurodiversity