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

Court documents describe Doe as a 30-year-old woman with autism spectrum disorder who struck up a connection with Glover on social media in 2015.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026

“Studies have shown that there is no link between receiving vaccines and developing autism spectrum disorder ... No links have been found between any vaccine ingredients and ASD.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 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

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the number of children identified with autism spectrum disorder in 2000 was about one in 150.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 22, 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