autistic

American  

[aw-tis-tik] / ɔˈtɪs tɪk /

adjective

1. relating to or having autism spectrum disorder.

   The researchers are compiling advice on supporting wellness in autistic adults.

   She and her son are both autistic.

   We are a national grassroots disability rights organization for the autistic community.

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noun

1. Also autist a person with autism spectrum disorder.

   It's just an opinion, but it's based on my own experience and conversations with fellow autistics.

Other Word Forms

• autistically adverb
• unautistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of autistic

First recorded in 1942; aut(ism) ( def. ) + -istic ( def. )

Explanation

To be autistic is to have a condition that affects a person's ability to communicate with others. Use the adjective autistic to describe someone with the medical condition called autism. Autistic traits include being withdrawn, having difficulty with some forms of communication, and in some cases having extraordinary abilities in music or math. It's not yet known what causes someone to be autistic. The word itself comes from the 1912 German term Autismus, a combination of the Greek autos, "self," and the adjectival ending istic.

Example Sentences

Maria's son Oliver is autistic and has complex needs and was placed with Hesley in 2019.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

Several small studies have found that it helps alleviate verbal symptoms in some autistic children.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

The survey found that 92 percent of respondents believe analyzing the autistic brain is extremely or very important.

From Science Daily • Apr. 8, 2026

Although an emergency room can keep someone safe, many autistic people find its bright lights, incessant noise and unfamiliarity to be more distressing than helpful.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Also, autistic children act out due to increased anxiety and fear, not from autism itself.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin