Autism – Definition & Meaning

Autism is a condition that affects a person’s ability to communicate, socialize, and interact with others. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically appears in early childhood and is characterized by a range of symptoms, including difficulty with communication and social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and a limited range of interests and activities. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of autism, its origins, and its associations.

Definitions

Autism is a complex developmental disorder that affects the way a person communicates, socializes, and behaves. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), autism is a “neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent difficulties in social communication and social interaction, as well as restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.”

Origin

The origins of autism are not fully understood, but research suggests that it is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Studies have shown that certain genes may be linked to the development of autism, and environmental factors such as prenatal exposure to toxins or infections may also play a role.

Meaning in different dictionaries

The meaning of autism is fairly consistent across different dictionaries. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines autism as “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.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines autism as “a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication and by repetitive behavior patterns.”

Associations

Autism is often associated with other conditions, such as intellectual disability, epilepsy, and ADHD. It is also often associated with sensory processing issues, such as hypersensitivity to certain sounds or textures.

Synonyms

Synonyms of autism include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), and Asperger’s syndrome.

Antonyms

There are no antonyms for autism, as it is a condition rather than a concept that can be opposed.

The same root words

The word autism comes from the Greek word “autos,” which means “self.” This reflects the tendency of people with autism to be more focused on themselves and their own interests than on others.

Example Sentences

  1. “My son was diagnosed with autism when he was three years old.”
  2. “Children with autism often struggle with social interactions and communication.”
  3. “People with autism may have a limited range of interests and engage in repetitive behaviors.”
  4. “Autism spectrum disorder can be diagnosed through a combination of behavioral observations and assessments.”
  5. “There is no cure for autism, but early intervention and therapy can help children with autism develop important skills.”
Like this post? Please share to your friends:
Words Wiki
Leave a Reply

;-) :| :x :twisted: :smile: :shock: :sad: :roll: :razz: :oops: :o :mrgreen: :lol: :idea: :grin: :evil: :cry: :cool: :arrow: :???: :?: :!: