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
Jody HoltonWhile 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
Lily AltavenaExamples of autism spectrum disorder in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Her three children − ages 11, 12 and 13 − have autism spectrum disorder, or ASD.
—Sam Woodward, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Finally, Saving Superman is the story of small town hero, Jonathan Charbonneau, a 57-year-old man with autism spectrum disorder facing eviction.
—Peter White, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
Additionally, there are now regular screenings for autism spectrum disorder, which may be a contributing factor in increasing numbers of diagnoses.
—Fortesa Latifi, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025
The services were required to be delivered under the supervision of a qualified supervising professional, and clients had to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or a related condition and enrolled in a qualifying healthcare program such as Medicaid.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for autism spectrum disorder
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Sam Woodward, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Finally, Saving Superman is the story of small town hero, Jonathan Charbonneau, a 57-year-old man with autism spectrum disorder facing eviction.
—Peter White, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
Additionally, there are now regular screenings for autism spectrum disorder, which may be a contributing factor in increasing numbers of diagnoses.
—Fortesa Latifi, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025
The services were required to be delivered under the supervision of a qualified supervising professional, and clients had to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or a related condition and enrolled in a qualifying healthcare program such as Medicaid.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Mayo ClinicAutism 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
Patrick McCarty and Richard E. Frye, Seminars in Pediatric NeurologyFood 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
Linda G. Bandini et al., The Journal of PediatricsLove words? Need even more definitions?
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