English

 
Differences in activity between autistic (yellow) and non-autistic brains.

Etymology

From autism +‎ -istic or +‎ -ic. First attested in 1913. The modern clinical sense is first used in 1943 by Leo Kanner.

Pronunciation

Adjective

autistic (comparative more autistic, superlative most autistic)

  1. Having autism, or pertaining to autism.
    Synonym: on the spectrum
  2. (now derogatory, offensive, slang, and medically obsolete) Socially inept, self-absorbed, or stupid.
  3. (Internet slang, 4chan, offensive or self-deprecatory) Characterized by abnormal and unhealthy focus or persistence, and unhealthy hatred of opposition or criticism.
    Imagine being this autistic over a fictional character!
  4. (slang, derogatory, offensive) Lame, uncool, stupid, retarded

Derived terms

Translations

Noun

autistic (plural autistics)

  1. A person who has autism.
    • 2006, Alan Griswold, Autistic Symphony:
      If our definition of empathy were to require we take the human cognitive norm (overwhelmingly influenced by neurotypical cognition) as the absolute standard by which to measure empathy, then indeed we would have to conclude autistics do not instinctively possess a good sense of empathy.
    • 2022, Matthew Bennett, Emma Goodall, Autism and COVID-19:
      After reading this book, medical professionals should be able to develop an understanding of some of the challenges that autistics are experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Synonyms

Hyponyms

Related terms

Translations

Romanian

Etymology

Borrowed from French autistique.

Adjective

autistic m or n (feminine singular autistică, masculine plural autistici, feminine and neuter plural autistice)

  1. autistic

Declension