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)
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
The 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

Examples of ASD in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ASD was in 1987

Cite this Entry

“ASD.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ASD. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

Medical 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
The 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
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