spectrum disorder

American  

noun

Psychiatry.

1. any of a group of disorders each having symptoms that occur on a continuum and certain features that are shared along its spectrum but that manifest in markedly different forms and degrees.

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Etymology

Origin of spectrum disorder

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

spectrum disorder

This loss can occur after brain injuries and in autoimmune diseases such as the rare neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, in which the body's own antibodies attack and destroy astrocytes.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 12, 2026

The CDC estimated that the number of children identified with autism spectrum disorder in 2000 was about one in 150.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 10, 2026

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

The number of with children autistic spectrum disorder receiving support in London has increased by 158% from 17,832 in 2015-16 to 46,095 in 2024-2025, according to DfE data.

From BBC ● Jan. 7, 2026

Autism spectrum disorder is a broad neurodevelopmental diagnosis that encompasses challenges related to social skills, communication and behavior.

From Barron's ● Oct. 24, 2025