Meaning & use

autism

noun·Academic

A developmental condition affecting communication, social interaction, and behavior, appearing in early childhood.

See it in a sentence

Her son was diagnosed with autism at age three and now receives specialized support.

Autism affects people differently, so no two individuals experience it the same way.

A note on using this word

Autism is now generally described as a spectrum, reflecting a wide range of strengths and challenges among individuals.

Words with a similar meaning

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