Autism vs ASD: What’s the Difference?

TL;DR (Quick Summary)

• Autism and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) are two ways of describing the same condition.

• “ASD” is the clinical/medical term used by professionals and in official diagnoses.

• “Autism” is the everyday term that parents, teachers, and autistic individuals often use.

• The term “Asperger’s” is no longer used as a diagnosis; it’s now part of ASD.

• The most important thing is supporting your child, not which label you use.

Introduction

Recently, a few people have asked me, “What’s the difference between autism and ASD?” Honestly, I tend to think of them interchangeably—but I realized this is a common source of confusion. If you’ve ever wondered whether “autism” and “ASD” mean the same thing, you’re not alone.

What Is Autism?

Autistic individuals often notice details, think creatively, or develop deep interests.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference. It impacts how a person communicates, interacts socially, and processes the world around them. Autistic individuals often notice details, think creatively, or develop deep interests that give them a distinctive perspective on the world.

The key word to remember here is spectrum. Autism looks different in every individual. Some children may need a lot of daily support, while others may need very little. For some, autism means lifelong challenges with things like speaking, toileting, or daily living skills, while others may grow up needing only minimal support.

What Is ASD?

ASD stands for Autism Spectrum Disorder. This is the medical or diagnostic term used in places like the DSM-5 (the official guide professionals use to diagnose).

 In schools and medical paperwork, professionals usually write “ASD,” but families often say “autism.”

So when a doctor, psychologist, or evaluator writes a report, they’ll almost always use “ASD.” That’s because it’s the official, recognized term in medical and educational settings.

In everyday conversation, though, most people simply say “autism.”

Why Are There Two Terms?

This is where the confusion usually comes in:

• Autism = everyday, common language.

• ASD = clinical, diagnostic language.

Think of it like this: a doctor might write “ASD” in paperwork, but at home or in a classroom, people say “autism.” They both describe the same condition.

What About Asperger’s?

Asperger’s was once listed separately in the diagnostic manual, but in 2013 it was combined with autism spectrum disorder. This change reflected research showing that the two conditions were not meaningfully different. However, some people disagree with this decision and continue to self-identify as having Asperger’s.

As a result, you may encounter individuals who continue to self-identify as having Asperger’s, reflecting both their past diagnosis and personal preference.

Language Preferences Matter

Another layer to this conversation is how we talk about autism. You may notice:

• Some people say “autistic person” (identity-first language).

• Others say “person with autism” (person-first language).

There’s no single “right” way—it depends on the individual’s preference. Many autistic adults prefer identity-first language because autism is such a central part of who they are.

As parents and teachers, the most respectful approach is to listen and use the language that feels right to the person you’re supporting.

Why This Matters for Parents & Teachers

At the end of the day, whether someone says “autism” or “ASD,” the meaning is the same.

What matters most is understanding your child’s strengths and needs.

Here’s why the distinction can still matter in certain settings:

• Paperwork & IEPs: Schools and therapists usually write “ASD.”

• Advocacy: Knowing both terms helps when you’re filling out forms, applying for services, or speaking to professionals.

• Community: Using “autism” in daily conversations helps you connect with others who are on the same journey.

  
  

So don’t stress about which word to use—you’re not wrong either way.

Related Resources

• Early Signs of Autism in Children

• What Happened to Asperger Syndrome?

• How to Use Social Stories for Toilet Training

If you’d like practical tools to support your child, check out my social stories and visual supports designed for parents and teachers of autistic kids.

Final Thoughts

When people ask, “What’s the difference between autism and ASD?” the simplest answer is: They’re two names for the same thing.

Professionals may use ASD because it’s the official diagnostic term. Families and communities often use “autism” because it feels more natural. Both are correct, and the important thing is the support and understanding your child receives.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

• Kenny, L., Hattersley, C., Molins, B., et al. (2016). Which terms should be used to describe autism? Perspectives from the UK autism community. Autism, 20(4), 442–462.