ASD
abbreviation or noun
plural ASDs
: 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
As any teacher or parent can tell you, every student learns differently, including individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).—
Daily Courier (Connellsville, Pennsylvania)
Daily Courier (Connellsville, Pennsylvania)ASD occurs on a broad continuum of severity. Some people with ASD experience only mild challenges. For others, the condition interferes with everyday life.—Janice Rodden
Janice RoddenThe number of diagnosed cases of ASDs and the number of children receiving services for ASDs have increased markedly in the past decade.—Joseph Piven and Peter Rabins
Joseph Piven and Peter RabinsExamples of ASD in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Severe autism, or level 3 autism spectrum disorder (ASD), describes individuals with the highest support needs on the autism spectrum.
—Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 4 June 2025
Many brain changes underlying abnormalities in ASD appear in childhood suggesting the possibility for effective therapeutic strategies targeting brain maturation.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 30 May 2025
What To Know The drills were part of Exercise At Sea Demonstration/Formidable Shield 25 (ASD/FS 25), which has been taking place in the North Sea, Norwegian Sea, and North Atlantic Ocean since May 3.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Researchers have been looking into the causes of autism for decades; the Centers of Diseases Control and Prevention says that some people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a genetic condition, but other causes are not yet known.
—Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 22 May 2025
Her mother, Helen, an ASD Specialist Nurse, worried constantly.
—Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Break down verbal instructions to allow a person with ASD more time to process them.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 14 May 2025
While each case is unique, most will be well-versed in the challenges that come with ASD.
—Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025
Research suggests that about 4 percent of boys will be diagnosed with ASD compared with about 1 percent of girls.
—Angela D. Harper, EverydayHealth.com, 25 Apr. 2025
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Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 4 June 2025
Many brain changes underlying abnormalities in ASD appear in childhood suggesting the possibility for effective therapeutic strategies targeting brain maturation.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 30 May 2025
What To Know The drills were part of Exercise At Sea Demonstration/Formidable Shield 25 (ASD/FS 25), which has been taking place in the North Sea, Norwegian Sea, and North Atlantic Ocean since May 3.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Researchers have been looking into the causes of autism for decades; the Centers of Diseases Control and Prevention says that some people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a genetic condition, but other causes are not yet known.
—Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 22 May 2025
Her mother, Helen, an ASD Specialist Nurse, worried constantly.
—Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Break down verbal instructions to allow a person with ASD more time to process them.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 14 May 2025
While each case is unique, most will be well-versed in the challenges that come with ASD.
—Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025
Research suggests that about 4 percent of boys will be diagnosed with ASD compared with about 1 percent of girls.
—Angela D. Harper, EverydayHealth.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“ASD.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ASD. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
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
Centers for Disease Control and PreventionThe 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
Deborah R. Barnbaum, Ethics and NeurodiversityLove words? Need even more definitions?
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