forbidden word: autism
autism
autism, noun
Psychiatry.
-
a developmental disability of highly variable presentation, commonly characterized by social and communication differences, repetitive behaviors, intense specialized interests, and differences in sensory processing; autism spectrum disorder.
-
Sometimes classic autism (no longer in clinical use) a developmental disability that commonly manifests in early childhood, characterized by repetitive or restricted behaviors, differences in understanding social interactions, and delayed development of linguistic and cognitive abilities: formerly contrasted with Asperger syndrome.
Other Word Forms
- autistic adjective
- autist noun
Word History and Origins
Origin of autism1
First recorded in 1910–15, for an earlier sense; coined in 1944 by Austrian-American psychiatrist Leo Kanner (1894–1981), for the current sense (in the phrase infantile autism ); from German Autismus (in the earlier sense), from New Latin; aut- + -ism
from — Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words. (2025d). In Dictionary.com.
~ ~ ~
example sentences: autism
Women who experience continuing thyroid hormone irregularities throughout pregnancy may face a higher chance of having a child diagnosed with autism, according to a study released in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Read more on Science Daily
A month later, Kennedy backtracked on these remarks, saying “The causative association between Tylenol given in pregnancy … is not sufficient to say it definitely caused autism, but it is very suggestive.”
Read more on Salon
In April, at his first news conference since taking office, Kennedy spouted a fountain of misinformation about autism.
Read more on Los Angeles Times
Kennedy told the New York Times on Thursday that he personally directed the CDC to change its website to abandon its position that vaccines do not cause autism.
Read more on Los Angeles Times
Patients have received “medical aid in dying” for schizophrenia, depression and autism, among other mental conditions.
Read more on The Wall Street Journal
from — Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words. (2025d). In Dictionary.com.
~ ~ ~
Autism
from the National Institute of Mental Health as of December 8th, 2025
What is autism spectrum disorder?
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life.
Why is NIMH studying autism?
People with autism have a wide range of symptoms, which can include differences in social and communication behaviors, intellectual disabilities, and other physical and mental health conditions. People with autism also have a wide range of health care and service needs. Research shows that access to needed services and supports early in life can promote people’s health and well-being over the long term.
How is NIMH research addressing this critical topic?
We’re supporting research to better understand the full range of symptoms that people with autism may experience. This includes research to identify biological and behavioral characteristics that can help us understand a person’s symptoms, how their symptoms and needs may change over time, and which treatments, services, and supports they may benefit from.
We’re also supporting research to find better ways to meet the individual needs of people with autism. This includes research to improve early autism screening so that children with autism can be connected with appropriate services and supports as early as possible. This also includes research on supporting people with autism as they age, from childhood to adolescence and throughout adulthood. NIMH is also investing in research to better meet the needs of autistic people who have co-occurring mental health conditions.
Last Reviewed: December 2024
from — Autism spectrum Disorder. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd
December 8, 2025
This is one of the words/ phrases you can’t say in the new Trump Regime. See a comprehensive list at the Forbidden Words Project.
image: combust © Holly Troy 2025
Discover more from holly troy ~ sacred folly
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
holly troy ~ sacred folly 