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 According to the National Institutes of Health, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn and behave. Alex Ross, Peoplemag, 31 Mar. 2024 Blackout Sensory Tent This sensory tent is specifically designed for children with sensory and autism spectrum disorders and comes in two different sizes, 35 inches or 47 inches. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 8 Mar. 2024 The term often refers to people with autism spectrum disorder or other neurological or developmental conditions, like ADHD or learning disabilities. Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2024 Nick Cannon and Abby De La Rosa just revealed that Zillion, their 2-year-old son, has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2024 Nick Cannon and Abby De La Rosa Share Son Zillion, 2, Has Been Diagnosed with Autism: 'Experiences Life in 4D' Earlier that day, De La Rosa and Cannon, 43, shared that their son Zillion had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, announcing the news on Instagram. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 3 Apr. 2024 Dear Amy: My husband of 30 years was recently diagnosed with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2024 Meanwhile, Ohio’s State Medical Board also recently announced that FOD, along with autism spectrum disorder, would move forward for expert review and public comment following petitions submitted online. Sarah Sinclair, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024 Her two sons, ages 5 and 3, were both diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and are receiving physical and behavioral therapy. Scovian Lillian, NPR, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'autism spectrum disorder.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of autism spectrum disorder was in 1981

Dictionary Entries Near autism spectrum disorder

autism

autism spectrum disorder

autist

Cite this Entry

“Autism spectrum disorder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autism%20spectrum%20disorder. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

autism spectrum disorder

noun
variants also 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
One in 110 American 8-year-olds had an autism spectrum disorder in 2006, an increase of 57% since 2002 …Melinda Beck
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterized by impairments in social behaviors that are sometimes coupled to specialized cognitive abilities.Katsuhiko Tabuchi et al.
Nearly 2 million Americans have Asperger's or other autistic spectrum disorders that mute their social radar.Michelle Green
abbreviation ASD
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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