'autism-related' originates from modern English, combining 'autism' and 'related'. 'Autism' derives from Greek 'autos' meaning 'self' (via German 'Autismus'), and 'related' comes from Latin elements via Old French and Middle English ('relatus'/'referre').

'autism' entered medical usage from German 'Autismus' in the early 20th century and became English 'autism'; 'related' evolved from Latin 'relatus' through Old French and Middle English to the modern English 'related'.

Initially, 'autism' referred to a self-focused psychological condition as described in early clinical literature, and 'related' originally meant 'brought back' or 'connected by relation'; together the compound now means 'connected to or associated with autism'.