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