autism
noun
au·tism
| \ ˈȯ-ˌti-zəm
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Definition of autism
: a variable developmental disorder that appears by age three and is characterized especially by difficulties in forming and maintaining social relationships, by impairment of the ability to communicate verbally or nonverbally, and by repetitive behavior patterns and restricted interests and activities
… the chief diagnostic signs of autism are social isolation, lack of eye contact, poor language capacity and absence of empathy …— Vilayanur S. Ramachandran et al.
— called also autistic disorder
— see autism spectrum disorderExamples of autism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Sensory rooms, or spaces to soothe travelers with autism, have popped up at several airports—most recently in Pittsburgh. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, "The 9 Air Travel Trends We're Most Excited About This Year," 28 Aug. 2019 Brain signals measured during a simple visual task could serve as a biomarker for autism, according to a new study published Thursday. — Scientific American, "Visual Task May Offer Brain Marker for Autism," 19 Aug. 2019 The open positions are not restricted to applicants with autism but to applicants of all abilities. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Carlsbad firm tests hiring program for workers with autism," 19 Aug. 2019 The Eagles for their plan to open a sensory room this fall at Lincoln Financial Field, equipped for the families of fans with autism. — Albert Breer, SI.com, "Antonio Brown’s Helmet Drama Is Exactly What Jon Gruden and the Raiders Bargained For," 12 Aug. 2019 New this year is the Quiet Space, where visitors with autism, sensory processing disorders and other needs can rest in a dark and quiet space. — Kathy Berdan, Twin Cities, "40th Irish Fair and annual IndiaFest celebrate heritage in St. Paul," 9 Aug. 2019 For autism, 13 states list it as a condition including Illinois, which added it last week. — Jackie Borchardt, Cincinnati.com, "Ohio medical marijuana: Anxiety, autism not recommended for qualifying condition list," 9 Jan. 2019 Wellesley police are asking for the public’s help in finding and returning an iPad to a 3-year-old boy with autism who uses the device to communicate with his parents. — Danny Mcdonald, BostonGlobe.com, "Wellesley police ask for help finding iPad for boy with autism," 16 Aug. 2019 The tantalizing jamboree is hosted by and benefits the Tres Doux Foundation, a nonprofit which provides grants to local autism programs. — Perri Ormont Blumberg, Southern Living, "The 4th Annual Beignet Fest Returns to New Orleans This October 5th," 15 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'autism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for autism
autism
noun
au·tism
| \ ˈȯ-ˌtiz-əm
\
\
Medical Definition of autism
: a developmental disorder that appears by age three and that is variable in expression but is recognized and diagnosed by impairment of the ability to form normal social relationships, by impairment of the ability to communicate with others, and by stereotyped behavior patterns especially as exhibited by a preoccupation with repetitive activities of restricted focus rather than with flexible and imaginative ones
But more than 60 years after it was first identified, autism remains mystifying and stubbornly difficult to treat. About the only thing parents, doctors and policy makers agree on is that the best chance for autistic children to develop social and language skills is to enroll them in some type of intensive behavioral therapy.— Benedict Carey, The New York Times, 27 Dec. 2004 Although the chief diagnostic signs of autism are social isolation, lack of eye contact, poor language capacity and absence of empathy, other less well known symptoms are commonly evident. Many people with autism have problems understanding metaphors, sometimes interpreting them literally. They also have difficulty miming other people's actions.— Vilayanur S. Ramachandran et al., Scientific American, November 2006 In approximately 10% of patients, autism can be explained by genetic syndromes and known chromosomal anomalies …— Lauren A Weiss et al., The New England Journal of Medicine, 14 Feb. 2008
— called also autistic disorder
— see autism spectrum disorderKeep scrolling for more