autism spectrum disorder
A medical diagnostic term defined in the ICD-11 for a broad spectrum of neurological conditions that appear early in life (usually before age two) and may affect social, behavioral, learning and communicative development. It can be diagnosed at any age. The term autism spectrum disorder and its abbreviation ASD are medical diagnostic terminology and do not describe a person or their lived experience.
ASD has more than 100 identified genes that are variants positively identified as causative or variants of interest. ASD and other neurodivergent conditions have also been noted as occurring with high rates in other genetic conditions such as Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.
When discussing the medical diagnosis, use the criteria set by the IDC-11 and other credible research and researchers.
As with any medical and diagnostic terminology or jargon, autism spectrum disorder and ASD is to only be used with medical reporting in the title of study or in direct quotation. It is not to be used to label or identify a person. On first reference, use Autism Spectrum Disorder. On subsequent references, use ASD with the <abbr> tag:
<abbr title="autism spectrum disorder">ASD</abbr>
For use of words such as autism and autistic in describing oneself or in advocacy, see autism, autistic.
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