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.

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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

The company says it is developing traditional Chinese medicine, primarily herbal formulas, to treat autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 27, 2026

Multiple researchers have argued that the rise in autism spectrum disorder diagnoses is better explained by an expanding diagnostic definition of the disorder, along with better monitoring and diagnosis for more children.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 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

She said schools could find it difficult to support children as the number of diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder and other conditions had increased.

From BBC • Sep. 3, 2025