autism spectrum disorder

noun

variants or less commonly autistic spectrum disorder

: any of a group of developmental disorders (such as autism and Asperger's syndrome) marked by impairments in the ability to communicate and interact socially and by the presence of repetitive behaviors or restricted interests

Examples of autism spectrum disorder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But researchers warn that the sound may be overwhelming for the nearly 5.5 million people in the U.S. who have autism spectrum disorder and are sensitive to sound. —Chantelle Lee, TIME, 24 May 2024

Proceeds go to Firefly Autism, which supports children and families living with autism spectrum disorder. —Sarah Kuta, The Denver Post, 21 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

autism spectrum disorder

noun

variants also autistic spectrum disorder

: a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically appears by age two, that is variable in expression but is usually diagnosed by persistent impairments in social interaction and communication and by stereotyped (see stereotyped sense 2) patterns of behavior, activities, or interests, and that may be accompanied by cognitive or language impairments : autism, asd

Autism spectrum disorder includes conditions that were previously considered separate—autism, Asperger's syndrome, … and an unspecified form of pervasive developmental disorder.

—Mayo Clinic

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects approximately 2% of children in the United States. … Therapeutic interventions are most effective if applied early, yet diagnosis often remains delayed, partly because the diagnosis is based on identifying … behaviors that may not emerge until the disorder is well established.

—Patrick McCarty and Richard E. Frye, Seminars in Pediatric Neurology

Food selectivity, or "picky eating," is often observed in young children and is a frequent cause of parental concern. Food selectivity is more commonly reported in children with developmental disabilities, particularly in children with autism spectrum disorders …

—Linda G. Bandini et al., The Journal of Pediatrics