Translation guide
A neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social communication and interaction, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. In Japanese, the clinical term is 自閉スペクトラム症, but 自閉症 is also common. When referring to a person, 自閉症の人 or 自閉スペクトラム症の人 is used. Avoid outdated or offensive terms.
The formal medical diagnosis or condition name.
The official Japanese translation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), used in medical and formal contexts.
彼は自閉スペクトラム症と診断された。
He was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Commonly used term for autism, though it may not always emphasize the spectrum aspect. Still widely understood.
自閉症の子どもを支援する団体
an organization that supports children with autism
An older or alternative translation, sometimes used but less common than 自閉スペクトラム症.
自閉症スペクトラム障害は発達障害の一つです。
Autism spectrum disorder is one of the developmental disorders.
How to talk about someone who has autism spectrum disorder.
Person-first phrasing, common in respectful discourse.
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 autism spectrum disorder often have sensory sensitivities.
Also acceptable, but 自閉スペクトラム症の人 is more precise.
自閉症の人のコミュニケーション方法は様々だ。
Communication methods of people with autism vary.
Another person-first variant, less common.
自閉症のある人への合理的配慮が必要です。
Reasonable accommodations are necessary for people with autism.
Casual or abbreviated ways to refer to ASD, often in conversation or online.
Shortened form, used in compounds or casual contexts. Can be seen as blunt if used alone to refer to a person.
Using 自閉 alone to refer to a person may sound dismissive. Prefer full terms in respectful contexts.
自閉の特性について学ぶ
learn about characteristics of autism
The English abbreviation is sometimes used in Japanese, especially in written or technical contexts.
ASDの診断基準
diagnostic criteria for ASD
Terms like 自閉的 (autistic-like) or 変わり者 (eccentric) are not appropriate. The word アスペルガー (Asperger) is outdated and no longer a separate diagnosis; use 自閉スペクトラム症 instead.
In Japanese, person-first language (〜の人) is common and considered polite. Identity-first language (自閉症者) exists but is less common in everyday respectful speech.