Autism spectrum disorder

How it is used

Shortened to ASD, and many people simply say autism. Diagnosis is made by specialist teams; nursery staff describe what they observe and support the child. Signs can appear in the first years, but some children are diagnosed much later.

Example sentences

1. He was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of three.

2. Children with autism spectrum disorder may find busy, noisy rooms overwhelming.

Common collocations

• diagnosed with autism
• on the autism spectrum
• autistic children
• autism assessment

Related terms

• sensory processingThe way the brain takes in, organises and responds to information from the senses, such as sound, touch, light, movement and taste.
• special educational needsLearning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for a child to learn than most children of the same age, so that extra or different support is needed.
• early interventionSupport given as early as possible, often in the first years of life, to children who have or may develop delays, disabilities or other difficulties.
• ADHDShort for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a neurodevelopmental condition involving ongoing difficulties with attention, very high activity levels or acting on impulse.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

• autism spectrum disorder · Psychology

More terms: Special Needs and Inclusion

• developmental delay
• inclusion
• individual education plan
• SENCO