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.

---

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

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 Autistic traits include being withdrawn, having difficulty with some forms of communication, and in some cases having extraordinary abilities in music or math.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

Carolina Lopez searched for therapy services for her autistic son, Ezekiel, who was then 3 years old.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

I’m autistic, and a lot of what’s happening when we are moving is not actually about wanting to take up more space.

From Slate • May 19, 2026

Children who live in relatively disadvantaged areas are also more likely to be autistic than those who live in more affluent areas, according to the department.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

At 6.2%, the proportion of autistic schoolchildren in 2025/26 was more than 300% higher than 15 years ago.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

Keys to success with autistic children: Structure, predictability, and consistency are essential for students on the autism spectrum.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin