autism Definition
a mental condition, present from early childhood, characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts.
Using autism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "autism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Children with autism may have difficulty making eye contact.
Example
People with autism often have intense interests in specific topics.
Example
Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that it affects people differently and to varying degrees.
Phrases with autism
a range of conditions classified as neurodevelopmental disorders, characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior
Example
Autism spectrum disorder includes Asperger's syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).
high-functioning autism
a term used to describe people with autism who have average or above-average intelligence and good verbal skills, but still have difficulty with social interaction and communication
Example
My son has high-functioning autism, which means he can communicate well, but struggles with social cues.
a person with autism who has exceptional skills or abilities in a specific area, such as music, art, or mathematics
Example
The movie 'Rain Man' features an autistic savant who has incredible memory and counting abilities.
Origins of autism
from Greek 'autos' meaning 'self'
Summary: autism in Brief
'Autism' [ˈɔːtɪzəm] is a mental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and the use of language and abstract concepts. It is typically diagnosed in early childhood and is a spectrum disorder, meaning it affects people differently and to varying degrees. Phrases like 'autism spectrum disorder' and 'high-functioning autism' describe different aspects of the condition, while 'autistic savant' refers to a person with exceptional skills or abilities in a specific area.
