What makes Autism an ism?

Post Reply New Topic

Theres lots of isms like Racism, Vandalism, Elitism, Sexism, Fascism, Nationalism, Criticism, Socialism and I can understand what adding ism means to the definition of these words... But I dont know the definition of Autism.

Autism means 'self-ism'. It is somewhat limited as a word considering what we now know about the spectrum.

OED:

-ism /'IZ(ә)m/ suffix forming nouns, esp. denoting: 1 an action or its result (baptism; organism). 2 a system, principle, or ideological movement (Conservatism; jingoism; feminism). 3 a state or quality (heroism; barbarism). 4 a basis for prejudice or discrimination (racism; sexism). 5 a peculiarity in language (Americanism). 6 a pathological condition (alcoholism; Parkinsonism). [from or suggested by French -isme via latin -ismus from greek -ismos or -isma from -izō -IZE]

It is a very unique thing.

That's why that word makes so much sense.

Seeing all them other examples did make more sense and it does seem very unique whioch is good.

But, not all of that is relative!

I don't understand!

what do you mean? not all of the 'isms' listed are meant to be applied to 'autism.' they're just an explanation of the various ideas 'ism' can convey as a suffix.

is autism really being that selfish?

i think it means 'self-ism' in terms of introversion.

Oh, I didn't understand that at first, but I do now!