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Psychology vocabulary · Mental Health Conditions

Autism spectrum disorder

Meaning in psychology, with examples

nounCore term

In psychology, autism spectrum disorder means: A neurodevelopmental condition with lasting differences in social communication and interaction, together with restricted or repetitive behaviours, interests or sensory responses.

In Turkish: otizm spektrum bozukluğu, OSB, otizm

How it is used

Often shortened to ASD or simply called autism. Since DSM-5, earlier diagnoses such as Asperger's syndrome fall under this single category, with levels of support needed. Clinicians, researchers and autistic people openly discuss which wording to use.

Example sentences

  1. The team uses standardised observation tools when assessing autism spectrum disorder.

  2. Girls with autism spectrum disorder are often diagnosed later than boys.

Common collocations

  • autism assessment
  • autistic adults
  • diagnosed with autism
  • autism spectrum condition
  • ADHDShort for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, a neurodevelopmental condition with persistent inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that affect daily life.
  • theory of mindThe ability to understand that other people have their own thoughts, beliefs, desires and intentions, which may differ from yours, and to use this to predict what they will do.
  • developmental milestoneA skill that most children reach within a typical age range, such as smiling, sitting, walking or saying first words, used to track development.
  • diagnosisThe process of identifying which mental or physical condition explains a person's difficulties, or the name of the condition that is identified.

This word in other fields

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

More terms: Mental Health Conditions

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.