autistic

From autism +‎ -istic or +‎ -ic. First attested in 1913. The modern clinical sense is first used in 1943 by Leo Kanner.

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ɔːˈtɪs.tɪk/
• Rhymes: -ɪstɪk

autistic (comparative more autistic, superlative most autistic)

1. Having autism, or pertaining to autism.
2. (now derogatory, offensive, slang, and medically obsolete) Socially inept, self-absorbed, or stupid.

1. on the spectrum

• postautistic

autistic (plural autistics)

1. A person who has autism.
   • 2006, Alan Griswold, Autistic Symphony

     If our definition of empathy were to require we take the human cognitive norm (overwhelmingly influenced by neurotypical cognition) as the absolute standard by which to measure empathy, then indeed we would have to conclude autistics do not instinctively possess a good sense of empathy.

• autist

• idiot savant (potentially offensive)

• autistic spectrum
• autistic spectrum disorder (ASD)