-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
Cite this Entry
“Autism spectrum disorder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autism%20spectrum%20disorder. Accessed 14 May. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share