autism
noun
au·tism
ˈȯ-ˌti-zəm 
: a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically appears by age two, that is variable in expression but is usually diagnosed by persistent impairments in social interaction and communication and by stereotyped (see stereotyped sense 2) patterns of behavior, activities, or interests, and that may be accompanied by cognitive or language impairments : autism spectrum disorder
Not long ago, autism was assumed to be comparatively rare, affecting as few as 1 in 10,000 people. The latest studies, however, suggest that as many as 1 in 150 kids age 10 and younger may be affected by autism …—
J. Madeleine Nash
J. Madeleine NashBut what researchers have come to agree on is that autism is a "spectrum" disorder. In other words, it's not a condition with a single set of symptoms. Instead, affected children face different challenges—and there are different levels of severity.—Melissa Fay Greene
Melissa Fay GreeneExamples of autism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The event is sensory-friendly, and will include a 1K walk, a 2K walk, exhibitors, a tent with children’s activities, such as origami, photo booth, raffle and information on autism resources, including the Blue Envelope program.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Kristine, who wrote a popular memoir in 2013 about dealing with Jacob’s autism, is depicted as being more focused on her burgeoning fame than what's best for her family.
—Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Researchers say the rising prevalence of autism, ADHD and other conditions in kids stems from doctors getting better at spotting it.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2025
Despite an abundance of evidence to the contrary, Weldon holds fast to the belief that vaccines cause autism.
—Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
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Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Kristine, who wrote a popular memoir in 2013 about dealing with Jacob’s autism, is depicted as being more focused on her burgeoning fame than what's best for her family.
—Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Researchers say the rising prevalence of autism, ADHD and other conditions in kids stems from doctors getting better at spotting it.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2025
Despite an abundance of evidence to the contrary, Weldon holds fast to the belief that vaccines cause autism.
—Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for autism
Cite this Entry
“Autism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autism. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
autism
noun
au·tism
ˈȯ-ˌtiz-əm
: a disorder that is characterized especially by problems in interacting and communicating with other people and by doing some activities over and over again
Medical Definition
autism
noun
au·tism
ˈȯ-ˌtiz-əm
: a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically appears by age two, that is variable in expression but is usually diagnosed by persistent impairments in social interaction and communication and by stereotyped (see stereotyped sense 2) patterns of behavior, activities, or interests, and that may be accompanied by cognitive or language impairments : autism spectrum disorder
Autism diagnosis has traditionally been most common in childhood, when differences from neurotypical peers may first become obvious. However, in recent years, there has been a significant increase in the rate of adult diagnosis, particularly as diagnostic criteria have been broadened such that individuals who may not have received an autism diagnosis in childhood may now meet current diagnostic criteria.—Laura Hull et al., Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Laura Hull et al., Review Journal of Autism and Developmental DisordersMany 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
Vilayanur S. Ramachandran et al., Scientific AmericanIn 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
Lauren A Weiss et al., The New England Journal of MedicineLove words? Need even more definitions?
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