ASD
Abbreviation with 3 meanings
| Stands for | Autism spectrum disorder |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 3 |
| Categories | Medical |
ASD has three meanings. The most common are Autism spectrum disorder (mental health & psychiatry) and Atrial septal defect (cardiology); it can also stand for Acute stress disorder.
Meanings of ASD at a glance
| # | ASD stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Autism spectrum disorder | Medical › Mental Health & Psychiatry |
| 2 | Atrial septal defect | Medical › Cardiology |
| 3 | Acute stress disorder | Medical › Mental Health & Psychiatry |
1. Autism spectrum disorder
Medical · Mental Health & Psychiatry Abbreviations
Neurodevelopmental condition defined by persistent differences in social communication and interaction plus restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or sensory responses, present from early childhood. Support needs range from minimal to very substantial and are rated as levels 1 to 3.
Example: ASD level 2 with language delay, age 3; refer for ABA, speech therapy and early intervention.
DSM-5 (2013) merged autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified into one spectrum. CDC surveillance published in 2025, using 2022 data, found about 1 in 31 US eight-year-olds identified with ASD, with boys diagnosed several times more often than girls. The AAP recommends autism screening at 18 and 24 months. Extensive research shows vaccines do not cause autism. Many autistic adults prefer identity-first language ("autistic person"). In cardiology ASD means atrial septal defect.
2. Atrial septal defect
Medical · Cardiology Abbreviations
Hole in the wall between the left and right atria that lets blood shunt from left to right, enlarging the right heart over time. Secundum defects in the middle of the septum are the most common type and can often be closed with a catheter-delivered device rather than open surgery.
Example: Fixed split S2 and RV dilation on echo; secundum ASD 18 mm, referred for percutaneous closure.
Small ASDs may close spontaneously in infancy, and many adults are diagnosed only in their 30s or 40s when breathlessness, atrial arrhythmias or an incidental murmur appear. Fixed splitting of the second heart sound is the classic sign. Primum, sinus venosus and coronary sinus defects need surgical repair. In pediatrics ASD also means autism spectrum disorder.
3. Acute stress disorder
Medical · Mental Health & Psychiatry Abbreviations
Trauma-related condition lasting from three days to one month after exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury or sexual violence, with intrusive memories, negative mood, dissociation, avoidance and arousal symptoms. If symptoms persist beyond a month, the diagnosis may change to PTSD.
Example: ASD after assault 10 days ago: flashbacks, numbness, insomnia; start trauma-focused CBT.
Acute stress disorder entered DSM-IV in 1994. Not everyone with ASD develops PTSD, and many people who develop PTSD never had ASD. Early brief trauma-focused CBT can reduce later PTSD in some people, while single-session psychological debriefing is not recommended. In most psychiatric settings ASD more often refers to autism, so notes usually spell this one out.
Related abbreviations
More mental health & psychiatry abbreviations
- AIMS – Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale
- AN – Anorexia nervosa
- AOT – Assisted outpatient treatment
- ARFID – Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder
- ASPD – Antisocial personality disorder
- AUD – Alcohol use disorder
- AUDIT – Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test
- AWS – Alcohol withdrawal syndrome
See all 100 mental health & psychiatry abbreviations →
More cardiology abbreviations
- AR – Aortic regurgitation
- ARVC – Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
- AS – Aortic stenosis
- ASCVD – Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
- AV – Atrioventricular
- AVB – Atrioventricular block
- AVNRT – Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia
- AVR – Aortic valve replacement
See all 229 cardiology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.