autistic

adjective au·tis·tic \ ȯ-ˈti-stik \

Updated on: 7 Apr 2018

Definition of autistic

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

autistic behavior

autistic children

—

autistically

play \ȯ-ˈti-sti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Recent Examples of autistic from the Web

No reliable research has found that a person who is autistic is more likely to commit violence than a person without an autism diagnosis.

— megan o'matz, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Hints of suspicion and discomfort arise after Parkland school shooting for children who are different," 29 Mar. 2018
The boy, who is autistic, still depended on his parents to get through social events in their Lincoln Heights neighborhood.

— www.latimes.com, "A Dream Displaced," 29 Mar. 2018
An Alabama man and his girlfriend were convicted this week for the rape of his 11-year-old autistic son.

— ashley remkus, AL.com, "Man had girlfriend rape 11-year-old autistic son because he thought the boy was gay," 28 Mar. 2018
School records show he was diagnosed with depression and was autistic.

— justin jouvenal, Washington Post, "Her son, facing murder charges, is being called an “alt-right killer.” This mother blames herself.," 27 Mar. 2018
School records show he was diagnosed with depression and was autistic.

— justin jouvenal, chicagotribune.com, "Virginia mother blames herself in 'alt-right killer' case," 27 Mar. 2018
Your neighbor is soliciting funds for his autistic child, which will also benefit a local autism program.

— pamela hawley, The Christian Science Monitor, "Five pointers on requesting a donation for a cause," 27 Mar. 2018
Part of advisers’ responsibility is educating and building a support system around parents with autistic children, which includes helping them identify and explore available resources.

— WSJ, "Work With Special-Needs Families Underscores the Value of Planning," 22 Mar. 2018
The 9-year-old, who is autistic, was struck 10 times and the 6-year-old seven times, according to the complaint.

— matthew glowicki, The Courier-Journal, "Louisville cop beat his daughters with a belt after they burned mac 'n cheese, police say," 23 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'autistic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of autistic

1942

autistic

noun

Definition of autistic

: an individual affected with autism or autism spectrum disorder

Recent Examples of autistic from the Web

Thirty years later, the belief persists that autistics can reliably count a pile of toothpicks at a glance.

— donna levin, Smithsonian, "Why Your Next Favorite Fictional Protagonist Might Be on the Autism Spectrum," 24 May 2017
Thirty years later, the belief persists that autistics can reliably count a pile of toothpicks at a glance.

— donna levin, Smithsonian, "Why Your Next Favorite Fictional Protagonist Might Be on the Autism Spectrum," 24 May 2017

First Known Use of autistic

1965

Medical Dictionary

autistic

adjective au·tis·tic \ ȯ-ˈtis-tik \

medical Definition of autistic

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

autistic behavior

autistic children

autistic

noun

medical Definition of autistic

: an individual affected with autism or autism spectrum disorder

Learn More about autistic

Spanish Central: Translation of autistic Nglish: Translation of autistic for Spanish speakers

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autistic

Definition of autistic

autistically

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autistic

Definition of autistic

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autistic

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autistic

Definition of autistic

autistically

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autistic

Definition of autistic

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First Known Use of autistic

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autistic

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autistic

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