autistic

1 of 2

adjective

au·​tis·​tic ȯ-ˈti-stik How to pronounce autistic (audio)
: of, relating to, or marked by autism or autism spectrum disorder
autistic behavior
autistic children
autistically 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
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Adjective
The funds raised from Night of Too Many Stars will support initiatives that target areas such as work, home and social well-being for autistic adults. Greg Evans, Deadline, 12 Feb. 2025 The organization is dedicated to helping the 5.4 million autistic adults living in the U.S. achieve their dreams. Matt Minton, Variety, 12 Feb. 2025
Noun
Related article This golf course architect’s daughter was diagnosed non-verbal autistic. Annie Waldman, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024 In one Harvard study, autistics were 40% faster at problem solving that non-autistics. Alison Escalante, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for autistic

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of autistic was in 1942

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Autistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autistic. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

autistic

1 of 2 adjective
au·​tis·​tic ȯ-ˈtis-tik How to pronounce autistic (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on autistic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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