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

plural autistics

: a person with autism or autism spectrum disorder

Examples of autistic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In 2005 a five-year-old autistic child died of a heart attack as a result of chelation therapy. —Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 27 Nov. 2024

The risk of drowning for autistic children is more than 160 times greater than the general child population, according to the National Autism Association. —Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 27 Nov. 2024

Noun

In one Harvard study, autistics were 40% faster at problem solving that non-autistics. —Alison Escalante, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024

Shaun and Charlie butt heads frequently in the early episodes, but there are also a few moments where Charlie is able to understand her fellow autistic and help him out. —Sarah Kurchak, TIME, 23 May 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

1968, 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

the autistic community

autistic children

autistic

2 of 2 noun

: a person with autism or autism spectrum disorder