autism spectrum disorder

noun

variants or less commonly autistic spectrum disorder

: any of a group of developmental disorders (such as autism and Asperger's syndrome) marked by impairments in the ability to communicate and interact socially and by the presence of repetitive behaviors or restricted interests

Examples of autism spectrum disorder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

After seeing a new doctor in 2023, she was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). —Julia Ries, SELF, 20 June 2024

Related conditions can include anxiety, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), bipolar disorder, or depression. —Jacqueline Andriakos, Health, 19 June 2024

New autism center in South Florida ABA Centers of Florida, which provides applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy services to children with autism spectrum disorder, is opening centers across the state. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

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