autism

au·tism   (ô'tĭz'əm)    n.  A pervasive developmental disorder characterized by severe deficits in social interaction and communication, by an extremely limited range of activities and interests, and often by the presence of repetitive, stereotyped behaviors. au'tist n., au·tis'tic (-tĭk) adj. & n., au·tis'ti·cal·ly adv.

autism [(aw-tiz-uhm)]

A serious disorder appearing in childhood and characterized by the child's refusal to relate to other people and severely limited use of language. The cause of autism in children is unknown, but researchers generally feel that it lies in a malfunction of the central nervous system, not in the way parents have treated them or in other aspects of their environment. The term is sometimes applied, more loosely, to adults who are extremely self-absorbed and who see things in terms of their hopes and fantasies rather than realistically.

autism 

Main Entry: au·tism
Pronunciation: 'o-"tiz-&m
Function: noun
: a developmental disorder that appears by age three and that is variable inexpression but is recognized and diagnosed by impairment of the ability to form normal social relationships, by impairment of the ability to communicate with others, and by stereotyped behaviorpatterns especially as exhibited by a preoccupation with repetitive activities of restricted focus rather than with flexible and imaginative ones

autism au·tism (ô'tĭz'əm)
n.

1. Abnormal introversion and egocentricity; acceptance of fantasy rather than reality.

2. Infantile autism.

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au·tis'tic (ô-tĭs'tĭk) adj.

autism   (ô'tĭz'əm)  Pronunciation Key  A developmental disorder characterized by severe deficits in social interaction and communication and by abnormal behavior patterns, such as the repetition of specific movements or a tendency to focus on certain objects. Autism is evident in the first years of life. Its cause is unknown. autistic adjective