autism spectrum disorder

noun

variants or less commonly autistic spectrum disorder

plural autism spectrum disorders also autistic spectrum disorders

: 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 previously called autism, pervasive developmental disorder and Asperger's syndrome. … Because of the range of symptoms, this condition is now called autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

—Jody Holton

While Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows that more men than women are estimated to have autism spectrum disorder, a growing number of women are coming forward with their own stories, sharing that they've been overlooked in depictions of autism, particularly stereotypical media that shows young, nonspeaking boys.

—Lily Altavena

Examples of autism spectrum disorder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In particular, there is a solid base of studies about the safety and effectiveness of melatonin use in children with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficity/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. — Sally Ibrahim, The Conversation, 23 June 2026

According to the American Art Therapy Association, therapists work with individuals of all ages, including children experiencing behavioral challenges, autism spectrum disorder, and those affected by trauma, violence, or health crises. — Hannah Silverman, Parents, 17 June 2026

Most of the recent complaints list similar alleged injuries, including autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 12 June 2026

Horner was eventually diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, now called autism spectrum disorder, and ADHD. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for autism spectrum disorder

• boarder
• border
• corder
• order
• warder
• camcorder
• recorder
• reorder
• suborder
• transborder

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