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

• unautistic
  adjective
• autistically
  adverb

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 Autistic traits include being withdrawn, having difficulty with some forms of communication, and in some cases having extraordinary abilities in music or math.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

See Examples For:

autistic

Some of the young people treated at the clinics have mental health problems and learning disabilities; others are neurodiverse or autistic.

From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2026

He said the character will be relatable for other autistic children.

From BBC ● Aug. 28, 2026

Pablo is played by 11-year-old Alexander Myles from Ballycastle, County Antrim, who is autistic.

From BBC ● Aug. 28, 2026

Though she showed many classic early childhood indicators — sensitivity to noise, extremely limited food preferences, rigid adherence to routine and difficulties understanding social nuances — no one suggested she was autistic.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026

I’m not sure who all the autistic kids are.

From "Mockingbird" by Kathryn Erskine