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. spectrum disorder.

Word History and Origins

Origin of autism spectrum disorder¹

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

These factors, as well as his autism spectrum disorder, had all affected his decision making, he said.

From BBC

The court heard MacPhail had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and a low IQ but Mr Brooke said the youth's functioning was "quite a bit higher" than had been suggested by MacPhail's legal team.

From BBC

At church, she met someone who was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a condition that today would be considered autism spectrum disorder.

From Slate

So far, there doesn’t seem to have been much research into the genetic underpinnings of gaze following in animals — although there has been some looking at humans, in whom impaired gaze following can be a sign of conditions such as autism spectrum disorder.

From Salon

Autism spectrum disorder is a complex neurological and developmental condition that manifests differently in nearly every individual who has it.

From Los Angeles Times