trastorno del espectro autista
/tɾastoɾno del espeɡtɾo autista/from spelling rulesmasculine
Autism spectrum disorder in Spanish is trastorno del espectro autista.
This phrase is used to refer to one of various autistic disorders. In medical and clinical contexts, the acronym TEA is commonly used to represent the phrase.
Meaning: one of various autistic disorders (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of trastorno (disorder), del (of the), espectro (spectrum) and autista (autistic).
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural to say autism spectrum disorders, only the noun changes to trastornos del espectro autista. The rest of the phrase remains singular.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾastoɾno del espeɡtɾo autista/
Did you know?
- The word espectro is a direct relative of the English word 'specter', as both originate from the Latin word for a ghost or apparition.
- In many Spanish-speaking medical circles, the acronym TEA is so common that practitioners pronounce it as a single word, similar to how an English speaker might say 'NASA', instead of spelling out the letters T-E-A.
- While the phrase is medically accurate, many advocates in Spanish-speaking countries prefer the expression persona con autismo to center the individual's humanity rather than the medical 'disorder'.
Examples in context
- El Trastorno del Espectro Autista (TEA) es una condición que afecta la comunicación y la interacción social.Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects communication and social interaction.
- El trastorno del espectro autista requiere apoyo constante.Autism spectrum disorder requires constant support.
- Él fue diagnosticado con trastorno del espectro autista.He was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
- Estamos estudiando las terapias para el trastorno del espectro autista.We are studying therapies for autism spectrum disorder.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are discussing a clinical study at a university.
- Elena¿Cuál es el enfoque de tu nueva investigación, Mateo?What is the focus of your new research, Mateo?
- MateoMe especializo en el trastorno del espectro autista.I specialize in autism spectrum disorder.
- ElenaEs un tema muy importante para la medicina actual.It is a very important topic for modern medicine.
- MateoSí, la investigación es fundamental para estos pacientes.Yes, research is fundamental for these patients.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “autism spectrum disorder” translations and entries trastorno del espectro autista, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries del, espectro, trastorno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
