n.
Pronunciation: ' o ̇ - ˌ ti-z ə m
Function: noun
Date: 1948
: a variable developmental disorder that appears by age three and is characterized by impairment of the ability to form normal social relationships, by impairment of the ability to communicate with others, and by stereotyped behavior patterns
– au · tis · tic \ o ̇ - ' tis-tik \ adjective or noun
– au · tis · ti · cal · ly \ -ti-k( ə -)l ē \ adverb