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autism

The definition of autism is a condition that develops early in childhood before aged 3 and that affects development, causing problems with social interactions and communication.

(noun)

A disorder that causes a child to be severely developmentally delayed in communication and social skills before he is three years old is an example of autism.

See autism in Webster's New World College Dictionary

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noun

Psychol. a developmental disorder characterized variously by impaired social interaction, difficulties in communicating, problems with seeing and hearing, repetitive behavior, etc.

Origin: aut(o)- + -ism

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autistic adjective

See autism in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A pervasive developmental disorder characterized by severe deficits in social interaction and communication, by an extremely limited range of activities and interests, and often by the presence of repetitive, stereotyped behaviors.

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