Translation guide
ASD is an abbreviation for Autism Spectrum Disorder. This guide covers how to refer to the condition, describe autistic traits, and discuss neurodiversity in Japanese.
How to say 'ASD' or 'autism' in Japanese, in medical, formal, and everyday contexts.
The official medical term for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Used by healthcare professionals and in formal writing.
彼は自閉スペクトラム症と診断された。
He was diagnosed with ASD.
The English abbreviation is widely understood in medical and educational settings. Often used alongside the Japanese term.
ASDの特性について説明します。
I will explain the characteristics of ASD.
Literally 'autism'. Still common in everyday conversation and media, but some advocates prefer the spectrum term. Use with awareness.
自閉症の子どもを支援する団体です。
It's an organization that supports children with autism.
A hybrid term, combining 'autism' and 'spectrum'. Used in some contexts, but less official than 自閉スペクトラム症.
自閉症スペクトラムの人は感覚過敏があることが多い。
People on the autism spectrum often have sensory sensitivities.
How to say 'autistic person' or 'person with autism' in a respectful way.
Person-first language, literally 'a person with ASD'. Considered respectful and neutral.
自閉スペクトラム症のある人への合理的配慮が必要です。
Reasonable accommodations are necessary for people with ASD.
Commonly used, but some prefer the spectrum term. Still widely seen in media and everyday speech.
自閉症の人はコミュニケーションに苦労することがあります。
People with autism may struggle with communication.
A more clinical term, 'person with autism'. Used in legal or medical documents, but can feel impersonal.
自閉症者の就労支援が課題となっている。
Employment support for people with autism has become an issue.
How to talk about autism as an identity or part of neurodiversity, including self-identification.
Means 'person with ASD' with emphasis on being a stakeholder/self-advocate. Common in advocacy contexts.
自閉スペクトラム症の当事者の声を聞くことが大切です。
It's important to listen to the voices of people with ASD themselves.
Similar to above, using the hybrid term. Often used in community settings.
彼女は自閉症スペクトラムの当事者として発信している。
She speaks out as a person on the autism spectrum.
Some individuals may prefer identity-first language like 'autistic person' (自閉症の人) or simply 'autistic' (自閉の). When possible, ask or follow their lead.
私は自閉です。
I am autistic.
How to describe common autistic traits such as sensory issues, social differences, and repetitive behaviors.
Sensory hypersensitivity. Often used when discussing autism.
自閉スペクトラム症の人は感覚過敏があることが多い。
People with ASD often have sensory hypersensitivity.
Strong interests or insistence on sameness. A key trait, but can be positive (passion) or challenging (rigidity).
彼は電車に強いこだわりがある。
He has a strong fixation on trains.
Differences in communication, a neutral way to describe social aspects without pathologizing.
自閉スペクトラム症の人はコミュニケーションの違いがあることがあります。
People with ASD may have differences in communication.
Stereotypic/repetitive behaviors (e.g., hand-flapping, rocking). Clinical term.
常同行動は自閉症の特徴の一つです。
Stereotypic behavior is one of the characteristics of autism.
How to talk about support, therapy, or accommodations for autistic individuals.
Reasonable accommodation. A key term in disability rights and education.
学校は自閉スペクトラム症の生徒に合理的配慮を提供する義務がある。
Schools are obligated to provide reasonable accommodations for students with ASD.
Therapeutic education or intervention, often for children with developmental disabilities. Common in Japan.
General support. Can be used in many contexts.
Terms like 自閉 (used alone) can be blunt. Avoid clinical labels as insults. The word アスペルガー (Asperger) is still used but is being phased out in many contexts due to its history and the move to a unified spectrum diagnosis.
In many professional and advocacy settings, the English abbreviation ASD (エーエスディー) is used alongside or instead of the full Japanese term. It is widely recognized.
早期療育が自閉症の子どもに有効とされている。
Early intervention is considered effective for children with autism.
Support for people with ASD is improving.