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

And, about 1 in 36 children nationally has been identified with autism spectrum disorder, per the CDC. —Axios, 29 Oct. 2024

Autism Spectrum Disorder Research has shown that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have low levels of tryptophan in the body. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 27 Oct. 2024

Abby De La Rosa is celebrating a new milestone for her son Zillion, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder earlier this year. —Emma Aerin Becker, People.com, 23 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

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