autism spectrum disorder

[aw-tiz-uhm spek-truhm dis-awr-der]

noun

Psychiatry.

1. a developmental disability of highly variable presentation characterized by social and communication differences, repetitive behaviors, or a restricted range of interests, and which commonly manifests in early childhood.

Word History and Origins

Origin of autism spectrum disorder¹

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

She said schools could find it difficult to support children as the number of diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder and other conditions had increased.

From BBC

Zak, 17, has Autism Spectrum Disorder, along with social anxiety, global developmental delay, and social and communication disorder.

From BBC

Healy also stated that “any drug that causes birth defects will cause autism spectrum disorder also,” a claim that has no basis in any scientific research.

From Los Angeles Times

Ward 7A is an eight-bed unit that provides assessment and treatment for patients who have complex health care needs, often associated with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

From BBC

Today, diagnostic manuals refer simply to autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, which includes people previously diagnosed with Asperger's or PDD-NOS.

From BBC