Word
autism
US/ˈɔˌtɪzəm/
UK/ˈɔːtɪzəm/
Definition
n. a lifelong condition that affects how your brain processes information and how you interact with other people.
n. a neurodevelopmental condition typically characterized by atypical social communication, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities.
Examples
“Many people with autism have very focused interests.”
“The school provides extra support for students with autism to help them navigate the social challenges of the playground.”
“Understanding autism as a spectrum allows for a more nuanced appreciation of the diverse ways in which neurodivergent individuals process sensory information and engage with their environment.”
Examples
simple
“Many people with autism have very focused interests.”
contextual
“The school provides extra support for students with autism to help them navigate the social challenges of the playground.”
complex
“Understanding autism as a spectrum allows for a more nuanced appreciation of the diverse ways in which neurodivergent individuals process sensory information and engage with their environment.”
Usage
Usually uncountable; often used in the phrase 'on the autism spectrum'.
Teaching tip
Modern usage prefers identity-first language ('autistic person') or person-first language ('person with autism') depending on the individual's preference.
Real-World Examples
“Arday said some errors in his early academic work arose because of his autism, as he relied on using mimicry to make sense of information.” “Jobs are scarce and unrewarding; little Jamie, who has autism, is silent; and the pressure is starting to tell.” Etymology
Borrowed from German Autismus, coined by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler, first usage dated to 1907 attributed by Carl Jung as an alternative of his for "auto-erotism", although Bleuler himself differentiates the terms in his book Dementia Praecox, first published 1911. From Ancient Greek αὐτός (autós, “self”) + -ισμός (-ismós, “-ism”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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englishreference.com/q/autism