I. ˈȯˌtizəm, ˈȯd.ˌiz- noun
( -s )
Etymology: New Latin autismus, from Latin aut- + -ismus -ism
: absorption in self-centered subjective mental activity (as daydreams, fantasies, delusions, and hallucinations) especially when accompanied by marked withdrawal from reality
II. noun
: a 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
• autistic adjective