Meaning & use
autism
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Meaning
noununcountablemedical
A developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, and processes the world.
Grammar: No plural; used with the: children with autism, autism spectrum disorder.
Patterns
- have autism
- with autism
- autism spectrum
He was diagnosed with autism at the age of three.
The charity supports families affected by autism.
Autism can affect social communication and behavior.
Common combinations
- autism spectrum
- Autism spectrum covers a wide range of strengths and challenges.
- diagnosed with autism
- She was diagnosed with autism as a child.
- autism awareness
- The event aims to promote autism awareness.
- severe autism
- Some individuals have severe autism and need daily support.
Synonyms and how they differ
- autism spectrum disorder
- The clinical term, often used in medical contexts; autism is the everyday short form.
Word family
- autistic adjective
- Relating to autism; also used as a noun (an autistic person).
- neurodiversity noun
- The idea that brain differences like autism are normal variations.
Commonly confused: autism or artism?
autism vs artism
Not a word; likely a misspelling of autism.
Practice
Many people with ______ benefit from early support and understanding.
Choose one answer.
'Autism' is the condition, so 'with autism' is correct. 'Autistic' is an adjective, 'autism spectrum' is a broader term but less common in this exact phrase, and 'autistically' is an adverb.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “autism”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.