Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Characteristic of or affected with autism: Describes behaviors, traits, or individuals that align with or are impacted by autism, a developmental condition affecting communication and social interaction.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The therapist specializes in supporting autistic individuals.
  • Some autistic people have a strong focus on specific interests.
  • The study observed autistic traits in the participants.

Advanced Usage

• Identity-First Language: Many within the autism community prefer "autistic person" (identity-first language) over "person with autism" (person-first language), viewing autism as an integral part of their identity. For example:
• Broad Autism Phenotype: Refers to milder, subclinical traits similar to those seen in autism that may be present in family members of autistic individuals.

Variants and Related Words

• Autism (n): The neurodevelopmental condition itself.
• Autistically (adv): In a manner characteristic of autism. (This adverb is less commonly used in everyday language).

Synonyms

• On the autism spectrum: A more current and descriptive phrase acknowledging the spectrum of presentations.
• Neurodivergent: A broader term describing people whose brain functions differ from what is considered typical, which includes autistic people.

Important Notes on Usage

• The term "autistic" is a clinical descriptor and an identity term. It should be used respectfully and accurately.
• It is generally considered inappropriate and offensive to use "autistic" as a casual insult or metaphor for social awkwardness.
• When describing individuals, it is best practice to follow the preference of the person or community being discussed, with "autistic" being widely accepted.

Adjective

1. characteristic of or affected with autism
   • autistic behavior
   • autistic children