Definition
Autism Spectrum Disorder is the diagnostic term used in the DSM-5-TR for autism. It is defined by differences in social communication and by focused interests, repetitive behaviors, and sensory differences, present from early development.
Why It Matters
ASD is the label that unlocks services, accommodations, and legal protections, so the clinical term matters even when the community prefers 'autistic.' Understanding how it is defined helps families navigate diagnosis and support.
Common Misconception
The word 'disorder' reflects a medical framing, not a judgment that an autistic person is broken. Many autistic people use 'autism' or 'autistic' rather than 'ASD,' and both the identity and the diagnosis can be true at once.