ASD

abbreviation or noun

ˌā-ˌes-ˈdē 

plural ASDs

: 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 spectrum disorder, autism

As any teacher or parent can tell you, every student learns differently, including individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

—Daily Courier (Connellsville, Pennsylvania)

ASD occurs on a broad continuum of severity. Some people with ASD experience only mild challenges. For others, the condition interferes with everyday life.

—Janice Rodden

The number of diagnosed cases of ASDs and the number of children receiving services for ASDs have increased markedly in the past decade.

—Joseph Piven and Peter Rabins

Examples of ASD in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Consider Gatlin’s relationship with Jones, the Atlanta businessman who technically was not a Foundation vendor because his company, American Sound Design (ASD), did not provide any services to the Foundation or Jackson Health System. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2025

Her three children − ages 11, 12 and 13 − have autism spectrum disorder, or ASD. —Sam Woodward, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025

Donnarumma, for now, is still the most famous alumnus from ASD Club Napoli in Castellammare di Stabia. —James Horncastle, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025

However, people with ASD are more likely to have trouble shifting their focus rather than being easily distracted and hyperactive in general. —Laura Dorwart, Health, 29 Sep. 2025

Two antipsychotic drugs are approved to treat irritability associated with ASD, but both come with a black box warning about safety, and neither addresses the underlying medical issues presented with autism, according to Ackerman. —Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025

The White House cited multiple studies linking acetaminophen exposure during prenatal development to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). —Max Rego, The Hill, 23 Sep. 2025

To compare, one in 36 was diagnosed with ASD in 2020, according to the report. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 22 Sep. 2025

Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can often struggle to communicate and interact with others. —Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

ASD

abbreviation or noun

: 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 spectrum disorder, autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. … The abilities of people with ASD can vary significantly. For example, some people with ASD may have advanced conversation skills whereas others may be nonverbal. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others can work and live with little to no support.

—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The neurodiversity movement holds that ASD is characterized not merely by impediments, but also by normal functioning, as well as cognitive strengths. ASD, on this account, may be best understood as a cognitive difference, not as a shortcoming.

—Deborah R. Barnbaum, Ethics and Neurodiversity