A neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors, with wide variation in presentation.
From Greek 'autos' (self) + Latin 'spectrum' (image, appearance). Originally coined by Leo Kanner (1943) and Hans Asperger (1944).
Autism is a different way of experiencing the world — unique strengths in pattern recognition, focus, and honesty, alongside challenges with social communication. It's a spectrum, not a single thing.
Autism was historically underdiagnosed in girls/women due to male-focused diagnostic criteria (DSM-IV/V); female presentations were dismissed as shyness or anxiety. This diagnostic bias persists, creating barriers to identification and support for autistic women and girls.
Use 'autistic people' or 'autistic individuals' alongside 'autism spectrum' to center identity. Recognize that autism presents differently across genders and that girls/women are significantly underdiagnosed.
["autistic people","autistic community","autism in women and girls"]
Autistic self-advocates and neurodivergent communities have reclaimed identity-first language ('autistic person') as empowering; many autistic women researchers (e.g., Judy Singer, Wenn Lawson) have documented how gender bias erased their diagnoses.
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