autist

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.

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