noun Common

autism

Quiz me More like this

Autism (noun) means a condition where a person finds social communication difficult, sticks strongly to routine and predictability, processes sensory input differently, and may have intense interests or repeat certain behaviours; it covers what used to be seen as separate conditions, such as Asperger's syndrome. Example: “My cousin has autism and likes to follow the same morning routine every day.”

noun

A condition where a person finds social communication difficult, sticks strongly to routine and predictability, processes sensory input differently, and may have intense interests or repeat certain behaviours; it covers what used to be seen as separate conditions, such as Asperger's syndrome.

"My cousin has autism and likes to follow the same morning routine every day."

"People with autism may find loud, crowded places very tiring."

"Our teacher explained that autism affects how a person communicates and experiences the world."

A lifelong neurological condition, usually noticed in early childhood, marked by unusual ways of communicating, such as differences in eye contact or body language, slower language development, and sensitivity to sensory input.

"Doctors often notice signs of autism when a child is very young."

"Autism is a lifelong condition, and each person who has it is different."

"Their son was diagnosed with autism after his language developed more slowly than expected."

(dated) A diagnosis for an unhealthy tendency to withdraw into private fantasy, once thought to be a sign of mental illness.

(informal, disapproving) An unreasonable, obsessive fixation on one thing, often paired with a refusal to accept criticism.

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like autism.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “autism” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

My cousin has _____ and likes to follow the same morning routine every day.

Etymology

Borrowed from German Autismus, coined by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler, first usage dated to 1907 attributed by Carl Jung as an alternative of his for "auto-erotism", although Bleuler himself differentiates the terms in his book Dementia Praecox, first published 1911. From Ancient Greek αὐτός (autós, “self”) + -ισμός (-ismós, “-ism”).

Synonyms

View more →

ASD

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of autism?

"autism" (noun) means a condition where a person finds social communication difficult, sticks strongly to routine and predictability, processes sensory input differently, and may have intense interests or repeat certain behaviours; it covers what used to be seen as separate conditions, such as Asperger's syndrome.

What is another word for autism?

Other words for "autism" include ASD.

What are the different meanings of autism?

"autism" has 3 main meanings: 1. A condition where a person finds social communication difficult, sticks strongly to routine and predictability, processes sensory input differently, and may have intense interests or repeat certain behaviours; it covers what used to be seen as separate conditions, such as Asperger's syndrome; 2. A lifelong neurological condition, usually noticed in early childhood, marked by unusual ways of communicating, such as differences in eye contact or body language, slower language development, and sensitivity to sensory input; 3. (dated) A diagnosis for an unhealthy tendency to withdraw into private fantasy, once thought to be a sign of mental illness.

How do you use autism in a sentence?

Example: "My cousin has autism and likes to follow the same morning routine every day."