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

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the U.S. has grown by more than 312% since 2000, and for 1 in 36 children diagnosed with ASD, employment prospects are bleak. —Jason Eichenholz, Orlando Sentinel, 14 July 2024

New research by the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) in China looked beyond only gut bacteria and found that changes in the composition and functioning of both bacterial and non-bacterial microorganisms are associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). —New Atlas, 9 July 2024

It’s never fully explicated in the screenplay, but Max’s mental health issues and possibly undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder are frequently alluded to, thrumming below the surface. —Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2024

Minnesota's medical marijuana program, for example, includes about 20 medical conditions, including obstructive sleep apnea, obsessive-compulsive disorder and autism spectrum disorder. —Molly Beck, Journal Sentinel, 15 Feb. 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