autism

/ˈɔːtɪzəm/
/ˈɔːtɪzəm/

noun

  1. A pervasive neurological disorder that is observable in early childhood and persists throughout the lifespan, characterised by atypical communication, language development, eye contact, and sensory experiences.

  2. (now medically obsolete) A diagnosis involving a pathological tendency to engage in self-centered fantasy thinking, historically considered a symptom of insanity and/or schizophrenia.

  3. (4chan) Abnormal and unhealthy focus or persistence, and unhealthy hatred of opposition or criticism.

Synonyms: autistic spectrum

noun

  1. The range of conditions classified as pervasive developmental disorders, generally held to include autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Also includes childhood disintegrative disorder and Rett syndrome.

Synonyms: autistic spectrum