autism
|au-tism|
🇺🇸
/ˈɔː.tɪ.zəm/
🇬🇧
/ˈɔː.tɪ.z(ə)m/
self-withdrawal
Etymology
'autism' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'autos', where 'autos' meant 'self'.
'autism' changed from the German psychiatric term 'Autismus' (used by Eugen Bleuler in the early 20th century to describe extreme self-withdrawal) and was later applied in English-language clinical literature (notably by Leo Kanner and Hans Asperger) to denote a developmental syndrome; it became established as 'autism' in modern medical usage.
Initially, it meant 'self-centered withdrawal' in a psychiatric sense, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a defined neurodevelopmental condition (autism spectrum disorder).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social communication and interaction, and by restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities; often referred to clinically as autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
He was diagnosed with autism at age 3.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
informal or derogatory usage referring to behavior perceived as socially awkward or narrowly focused; this use is offensive and inaccurate when applied as an insult.
Using 'autism' as an insult is offensive and stigmatizing.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/10 10:03