adj Uncommon

autistic

aw-TIHS-tihk

Autistic (adj) means having autism, a developmental condition affecting communication, social interaction, and behaviour. Example: “Their son was diagnosed as autistic at age three.”

adj

Having autism, a developmental condition affecting communication, social interaction, and behaviour.

"Their son was diagnosed as autistic at age three."

noun

A person who has autism.

"The support group is run by and for autistics."

How to use autistic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishRelating to autism, or a person who has it.

When to use it

The clinical sense is neutral and widely used; a slang sense meaning "socially awkward" or "obsessive" exists online but is considered offensive and best avoided.

Word forms

more autistic comparative, autistics plural, most autistic superlative

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Their son was diagnosed as _____ at age three.

Etymology

From autism plus the adjective-forming suffix -istic. The clinical sense was first used in 1913 and refined by psychiatrist Leo Kanner in 1943.

· First attested 1913

Class of 1913 autistic joined the language around 1913.

crossword isotope Pollyanna

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Antonyms

allistic

Rhymes for autistic

holistic sadistic artistic logistic heuristic statistic realistic ballistic hedonistic linguistic futuristic optimistic

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Frequently asked questions

What does “autistic” mean?

The word “autistic” means having autism, a developmental condition affecting communication, social interaction, and behaviour. In plain terms, relating to autism, or a person who has it.

How do you pronounce “autistic”?

“Autistic” is pronounced aw-TIHS-tihk (/ɔˈtɪs.tɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “autistic” in a sentence?

Here is “autistic” used in a sentence: “Their son was diagnosed as autistic at age three.”

What is the opposite of “autistic”?

The opposite of “autistic” — its antonyms — is allistic.

What part of speech is “autistic”?

Depending on how it is used, “autistic” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “autistic” come from?

The word “autistic” dates back to around 1913. From autism plus the adjective-forming suffix -istic. The clinical sense was first used in 1913 and refined by psychiatrist Leo Kanner in 1943.

Is “autistic” a common word?

“Autistic” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “autistic” have?

“Autistic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having autism, a developmental condition affecting communication, social interaction, and behaviour.

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