Meaning & use
autistic
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Meanings
adjectivecomparablemedical
Having autism, a lifelong difference in how the brain processes communication, social situations and sensory information.
Grammar: Describes people: an autistic child, she is autistic. It is not usually graded.
Patterns
- be autistic
- an autistic person
He was diagnosed as autistic at the age of six.
Many autistic adults say a quiet space helps them focus.
Her autistic brother loves trains and knows every timetable.
adjectivebefore a nountechnical
Relating to autism, or typical of the ways autistic people may think, communicate or experience the world.
Grammar: Used before a noun: autistic traits, autistic spectrum.
Patterns
- autistic traits
- autistic spectrum
The researchers studied autistic traits in adults.
Many schools now offer support for autistic students.
The documentary explored autistic communication styles.
nouncountablemedical
A person who has autism.
Grammar: A noun for a person; many prefer to say autistic person instead.
Patterns
- an autistic
The charity gathered the views of autistics and their families.
Many autistics describe masking as exhausting.
The panel included several autistics who spoke about work.
Word forms
| plural | autistics |
|---|
Common combinations
- autistic child
- The autistic child was calmer with noise-canceling headphones.
- autistic adult
- An autistic adult may not be diagnosed until later in life.
- autistic spectrum
- The autistic spectrum includes a wide range of experiences.
- autistic traits
- She recognized several autistic traits in herself.
- autistic person
- An autistic person may prefer clear, direct instructions.
Synonyms and how they differ
- on the spectrum
- On the spectrum is a casual phrase meaning autistic, and it is less direct than autistic.
- neurodivergent
- Neurodivergent is a wider word that includes autistic people and others whose brains work differently, such as people with ADHD.
- neurodiverse
- Neurodiverse describes a group with various types of minds, while autistic describes one person's neurotype.
Opposites
Word family
- autism noun
- the condition affecting communication, social interaction and sensory processing
- autistically adverb
- in a manner related to autism, rare
- neurodiversity noun
- the idea that brain differences are natural variations
- autism spectrum disorder noun
- the clinical diagnostic label
Commonly confused: autistic or artistic?
autistic vs artistic
Artistic means skilled at or related to art. Autistic relates to autism, and the two words are spelled and pronounced differently.
Practice
The school trained its staff to support autistic students by giving clear instructions and quiet spaces. Which word has the same meaning as autistic in this sentence?
Choose one answer.
Autistic describes people who have autism, which is often described as being on the spectrum. Artistic is tempting but means skilled in art.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “autistic”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.