autistic

1 of 2

adjective

au·​tis·​tic ȯ-ˈti-stik 

: of, relating to, or marked by autism or autism spectrum disorder

autistic behavior

autistic children

autistically

ȯ-ˈti-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

autistic

2 of 2

noun

: an individual affected with autism or autism spectrum disorder

Examples of autistic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The first accusation came from the parents of a 10-year-old, nonverbal autistic boy who can be seen on a video being punched, hit and stomped on by a suspect identified as former bus aide Kiarra Jones. —Pilar Arias, Fox News, 10 Apr. 2024

My oldest, Lily, is autistic, diagnosed at 3 years old. —Emilee Coblentz, USA TODAY, 10 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

aut(ism) + -istic, after German autistisch

Note: See note at autism.

Noun

derivative of autistic entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1942, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1965, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing autistic

• autistic disorder
• autistic savant
• autistic spectrum disorder

Medical Definition

autistic

1 of 2 adjective

au·​tis·​tic ȯ-ˈtis-tik 

: of, relating to, or marked by autism or autism spectrum disorder

autistic behavior

autistic children

autistic

2 of 2 noun

: an individual affected with autism or autism spectrum disorder