Autister

Autister is a term used to describe individuals who are autistic. The term is a portmanteau of "autistic" and "ster," and it is often used as a self-identifying term by autistic people. The use of "ster" is a nod to the LGBTQ+ community's use of the suffix "-ster" to denote identity, such as "gayster" or "queerster." Autister is not a medical term and is not recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It is a social and cultural term that reflects the autistic community's desire for self-determination and recognition. The term is used by some autistic individuals to express their identity and to challenge the medical model of autism, which often focuses on deficits and disabilities. Autister is a part of the broader autistic community's efforts to reclaim and redefine autism as a positive and diverse identity.