3 syllables: Au, tis, m. Stress on Au.
AW-tiz-uhm
/ˈɔˌtɪzəm/
Autism is pronounced AW-tiz-uhm (/ˈɔˌtɪzəm/). It has three syllables (Au-tis-m), with the stress on "Au". Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors and interests. The term broadly refers to a spectrum of presentations, typically identified in early childhood, with variability in language, social engagement, and sensory processing. It is used both descriptively in clinical contexts and as an identity label within advocacy communities.
nounAutism is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors and interests. The term broadly refers to a spectrum of presentations, typically identified in early childhood, with variability in language, social engagement, and sensory processing. It is used both descriptively in clinical contexts and as an identity label within advocacy communities.
How to Pronounce Autism
"Researchers study how autism affects social communication across ages."
"Early diagnosis can help tailor interventions for autism."
"Autism awareness has grown through education, advocacy, and supportive services."
Phonetically, Autism is pronounced with three syllables: /ˈɔː.tɪ.zəm/ in US/UK and AU accents. The main stress is on the first syllable: AUTH-ism. Start with the open back rounded vowel /ɔː/ as in 'law', then a clear /t/ followed by a reduced /ɪ/ and a final schwa /ə/ plus /m/. Keep the mouth fairly relaxed for the final /zəm/ cluster. For audio reference, search pronunciation resources with 'Autism pronunciation' to hear native speaker examples.
Common errors include misplacing stress (say /ˈoʊ.tɪ.zɛm/ or /ˈɔː.tʊ.zəm/), substituting /z/ with /s/ in the final cluster, or merging /tə/ into a single syllable (/ˈɒtɪzəm/). Correction tips: keep stress on the first syllable, render /z/ clearly as a voiced alveolar fricative, and pronounce the middle /ɪ/ as a short, crisp vowel before the final schwa /ə/; finish with a light /m/. Practice by isolating each sound and then blending: /ˈɔː/ - /t/ - /ɪ/ - /z/ - /ə/ - /m/.
In US/UK/AU, the first syllable carries primary stress /ˈɔː/. Rhoticity matters: the 'r' is not pronounced in non-rhotic accents, but autism lacks an /r/ anyway, so focus on vowel quality /ɔː/. The middle /ɪ/ may be a bit shorter in US English; Australian English often has a slightly broader /ɔː/ and less vowel reduction in rapid speech. The final /zəm/ remains voiced; ensure the /z/ remains distinct from /s/ and the final /m/ is closed. Listen to native speakers for subtle vowel length differences.
The difficulty lies in the multi-syllabic rhythm and the combination of a tense /ɔː/ vowel, a clear /t/ stop, and a final unstressed schwa with an /m/, which can lead to vowel reduction and consonant blending. Non-native speakers often reduce the middle /ɪ/ too much or mispronounce the /z/ as /s/. Focus on maintaining crisp articulation of /t/ and /z/ while keeping the final /ə/ light and the /m/ clear.
The unique aspect of Autism pronunciation is the careful articulation of the second syllable /ɪ/ followed by a soft /z/ before the final /əm/. Some speakers reduce the /ɪ/ too much, making /ˈɔː.təz.əm/; others detach the /z/ from the preceding /t/ with more aspiration. Aim for a smooth but distinct /tɪz/ sequence, not an abrupt /tɪz/ merged with the following syllable. This keeps the root phonemes clear while preserving natural rhythm.
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- US: rhotic? keep /ɔː/ with slight length, ensure /r/ isn’t involved; watch tension in the jaw. - UK: often non-rhotic; ensure /ɔː/ is broad and the /t/ is a clear stop; final /m/ closes strongly. - AU: similar to UK but with slightly more clipped intonation; vowels may be a touch broader; maintain the /z/ as a voiced sound. IPA references: US/UK/AU: /ˈɔː.tɪ.zəm/. - Vowel length: allow /ɔː/ to remain long enough to avoid confusion with /ɒ/; - Consonants: keep /t/ crisp; avoid flapping in fast speech; - Final: keep /ə/ light, /m/ closed.
Autism derives from the Greek autos, meaning 'self', combined with the suffix -ism. The term originated in the early 20th century within psychiatric literature as physicians struggled to classify a set of social communication differences. It evolved from broader labels such as autism spectrum disorders and pervasive developmental disorders. The modern usage solidified in the late 20th century as a neurodevelopmental concept, separating core social-communication and behavioral features from other psychiatric conditions. Early descriptions by Leo Kanner and Hans Asperger in the 1940s highlighted social withdrawal and communication differences, but contemporary verstehen emphasizes a spectrum of presentations, neurobiological factors, and the importance of early intervention. The term has also been adopted by autistic communities as a self-identifier, reflecting both historical medical framing and sociocultural advocacy. First known use in medical literature appears in the 1910s-1930s, with later standardized classifications shaping current diagnostic criteria in manuals such as the DSM and ICD, while the understanding of autism continues to expand through genetics, neuroscience, and inclusive education research.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Autism" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Autism"
-ism sounds
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