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

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

The review said the clinics found "the new, younger cohort of patients has a higher proportion of additional neurodevelopmental conditions", such as autism spectrum disorder and a range of other conditions, including mental health issues and trauma and abuse during childhood.

From BBC

Even after more than half a century of research, no one yet knows exactly why some people have autistic traits and others do not, or why autism spectrum disorder looks so different across the people who have it.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From 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.”

From Los Angeles Times