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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
It's also been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and autism, also referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
—
New Atlas, 8 Aug. 2024
For the second year, the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain, which has been been managing the camp for much of its history, has included programs for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
—
Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 31 July 2024
Trammell’s autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability that can include hypersensitivity to lights and sounds, difficulty with changes in routines and poor social interactions.
—
Erin Glynn, The Enquirer, 2 June 2024
About one in 36 children have autism spectrum disorder, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states.
—
Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 2 Apr. 2024
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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 19 Aug. 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
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