spectrum disorder

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spectrum disorder¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

"Maternal Thyroid Hormone Imbalance and Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder," was published online, ahead of print.

Read more on Science Daily

“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.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Autism also has been defined ever more broadly over the years — indeed, it’s seen today as a smorgasbord of conditions summed up as “autism spectrum disorder. “

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The CDC webpage on vaccines and autism had previously stated that studies show "no link between receiving vaccines and developing autism spectrum disorder," citing a body of high-quality research including a 2013 study from the agency itself.

Read more on Barron's

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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times