autistic

Etymology

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

adj

1. Having autism, or pertaining to autism.
2. (now derogatory, offensive, slang, and medically obsolete) Socially inept, self-absorbed, or stupid.
3. (Internet slang, 4chan, offensive or self-deprecatory) Characterized by abnormal and unhealthy focus or persistence, and unhealthy hatred of opposition or criticism.
   Imagine being this autistic over a fictional character!
4. (slang, derogatory, offensive) Lame, uncool, stupid.

noun

1. A person who has autism.
   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. 2006, Alan Griswold, Autistic Symphony
   After reading this book, medical professionals should be able to develop an understanding of some of the challenges that autistics are experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic. 2022, Matthew Bennett, Emma Goodall, Autism and COVID-19