autism spectrum disorder

American  

[aw-tiz-uhm spek-truhm dis-awr-der] / ˈɔ tɪz əm ˈspɛk trəm dɪsˌɔr dər /

noun

Psychiatry.

1. a developmental disability of highly variable presentation characterized by social and communication differences, repetitive behaviors, or a restricted range of interests, and which commonly manifests in early childhood.

---

Etymology

Origin of autism spectrum disorder

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

The court heard the teenager was seen by a psychiatrist who diagnosed him as having autism spectrum disorder and complex post-traumatic stress disorder.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

In 2013, the DSM collapsed the subtypes of autism and created one autism spectrum disorder with three levels of severity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 22, 2025

This expanded criteria makes discussions about curing or preventing autism incredibly fraught, because the label autism spectrum disorder is now such a big tent.

From Slate • Sep. 25, 2025

Healy also stated that “any drug that causes birth defects will cause autism spectrum disorder also,” a claim that has no basis in any scientific research.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2025

Ward 7A is an eight-bed unit that provides assessment and treatment for patients who have complex health care needs, often associated with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

From BBC • Jul. 1, 2025