What’s the Difference Between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Autism?

If you’re new to the world of autism, you might be wondering if and how the terms autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) differ. You may see these terms used in professional reports, evaluations, or therapy recommendations; written about online and in social media posts; and talked about in your local schools or community. Let’s break it down together.

 

 

Understanding the Language: “Autism” vs. “Autism Spectrum Disorder”

The term autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the official, medical term used in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), which is a guide that healthcare professionals use to diagnose neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

When a person is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, it means they meet specific criteria related to:

1. Differences in social communication and interaction, and
2. Restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.
   

So autism spectrum disorder is the formal name for the diagnosis.

The word autism is a broader, more everyday way of referring to the same condition. Oftentimes, autistic individuals, families, and professionals say autism or on the spectrum simply because it feels more natural and less medical than autism spectrum disorder.

Think of it this way:

• Autism spectrum disorder is the clinical diagnosis.
• Autism is (often) the way we often talk about it in real life.
  

Both autism spectrum disorder and autism describe the same thing: a different way of thinking, communicating, and experiencing the world.

Why “Spectrum”?

The word spectrum is one of the keys to understanding autism. It means that autism is not a single, one-size-fits-all condition; that is, it is not homogeneous. Instead, it includes a wide range of individuals who meet the diagnostic criteria, but who have different strengths, challenges, and level of support needs.

Some people with autism have strong language and verbal skills and may only need occasional support (sometimes referred to as Level 1 autism in the DSM-5). Others may have challenges communicating through verbal speech and communicate primarily through augmentative and alternative methods and need more daily support (Levels 2 or 3).

One of the great things about autism is that no two autistic individuals are exactly alike, and eac person on the autism spectrum is unique and diverse.

A Brief Look Back: How the DSM Changed the Language

Prior to publication of the fifth, and newest, version of the DSM in 2013, there were actually several separate diagnoses that were related to autism. These included:

• Autistic Disorder
• Asperger’s Syndrome
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
  

Each of these diagnoses described slightly different presentations of autism.

However, research showed that these labels were often applied inconsistently. That is, two people with similar autistic traits might have received totally different diagnoses depending on the healthcare provider supplying the diagnosis. To better account for these discrepancies, a workgroup made up of expert researchers, clinicians, and stakeholders, worked to adjust the labels and combined them all into one diagnosis: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This new umbrella term better reflects the heterogeneity that is seen in autism.

That’s why today, “ASD” is the medical term you’ll see in reports or paperwork, while “autism” remains the preferred, everyday way many people describe themselves or their child.

How the Diagnostic Criteria Work

Under the DSM-5, a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder requires traits in two major areas:

1. Persistent differences in social communication and interaction

This can include:

• Challenges with back-and-forth conversation
• Difficulty understanding social cues (like tone, facial expressions, or body language)
• Differences in building or maintaining relationships
• Preferring routines or familiar social structures

 

 

2. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities

This might look like:

• Repetitive movements or speech (like hand-flapping, rocking, or repeating phrases)
• Strong, focused interests
• Needing sameness or predictability in routines
  

These traits must also be present from early on in development, even if they are not recognized until later, and affect the person’s daily functioning.

Per the DSM-5, an ASD diagnosis also specifies levels of support (1, 2, or 3) to indicate how much help a person may need in different areas of life. We describe these levels of support in other blog posts.

Why the Language You Use Matters

Even though “ASD” and “autism” refer to the same condition, the words you use can carry emotional and social meaning.

Some families and professionals prefer person-first language, such as saying “a child with autism.” Others (including many autistic adults) prefer identity-first language: “an autistic person.”

There’s no one “right” way to talk about it. What matters most is respect and understanding. The best thing to do if you are unsure about what language to use is to follow the lead of the person or community you’re talking about. And if you don’t know, you can ask what the preference is!

Much work from autistic people and autism advocates have led the field away from using deficit-based language, including saying someone “has impairments in…” or “suffers from…”. This type of language can be disrespectful to the autistic community. Instead should aspire to use more neurodiversity-affirming language, which acknowledges that autism is a difference and not a disorder that needs to be fixed.

 

 

To Clarify: Is Autism the Same as Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Yes, the terms "autism" and "autism spectrum disorder" mean the same thing, but how you use the words likely depends on the context. If you’re filling out medical forms or reading a psychological report, you’ll see the term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) because that is the official diagnostic term as indicated in the DSM-5.

If you’re talking to friends or colleagues, describing your child, or reading about lived experiences online, you’ll likely see the term “autism” or “autistic.”

The Bottom Line

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the medical term used in diagnosis.
• "Autism" is the everyday term that is used to describe the same thing.
• Both "autism" and "autism spectrum disorder" refer to a wide range of ways of thinking, communicating, and engaging with the world.
• The shift toward “ASD” in the DSM-5 was meant to unify different subtypes into one inclusive category.
• The words you choose, and how you talk about autism, can help build understanding, acceptance, and belonging.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of whether you say "autism" or "autism spectrum disorder," what really matters is recognizing the whole person behind the label.

Every autistic person has their own strengths, joys, and challenges, and every family has its own journey of learning, celebrating, and growing together.

The diagnosis doesn’t change who your child is. It simply helps you see them more clearly—and that’s the first step toward helping them shine.

Your Questions, Answered

1. Is autism the same thing as autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?

Yes, they mean the same thing! "Autism spectrum disorder" is the official medical term used in the DSM-5. "Autism" is the everyday term that families, educators, and autistic individuals often use because it feels more natural and less clinical. Both describe the same neurotype: a different, not lesser, way of thinking, learning, and communicating.

2. Why is it called a “spectrum”?

The word "spectrum" highlights the wide range of strengths, traits, and support needs within the autistic community. No two autistic individuals are exactly alike, and each person has their own unique combination of abilities and challenges.

3. What happened to Asperger’s Syndrome and PDD-NOS?

Before 2013, those were separate diagnoses that were similar to, albeit different from, autistic disorder. But when the DSM-5 was updated in 2013, all of those categories were brought together under one diagnosis: autism spectrum disorder. This change helped reduce confusion and better reflect that autism exists on a continuum. Today, someone who might have been diagnosed with Asperger’s in the past would now simply be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (often at Level 1 support).

4. Does the diagnosis label really matter?

The words we use can matter, but what’s most important is understanding and support. Whether you say “autism” or “autism spectrum disorder,” the goal is the same: to understand your child’s strengths, needs, and communication style.

5. What is the difference between autism and autistic spectrum disorder?

The terms "autism" and "autism spectrum disorder" (ASD) are often used interchangeably, but they can have different implications. "Autism" is a general term that describes a range of symptoms and behaviors associated with the neurodevelopmental disorder. In contrast, autism spectrum disorder is a formal diagnosis that encompasses a variety of conditions and characteristics, including high-functioning autism, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. Understanding the autism spectrum allows for a more nuanced view of how individuals with autism may experience challenges and strengths, leading to better support and understanding within the autism community.