Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Autistic"

To sign "autistic", start by holding your non-dominant hand in front of your chest in a "C" handshape, with the palm facing your dominant side. Form your dominant hand into a flattened "O" or "S" handshape. Move your dominant hand into the opening of the non-dominant hand's "C" shape, as if placing something inside. This sign is based on the ASL sign for "include", but it is typically performed closer to the chest.

Examples Using "Autistic" in a Sentence

1

My brother is autistic.

To sign this sentence, start by signing "my" with a flat hand on your chest. Then, sign "brother" by bringing an "L" handshape from your forehead down to your non-dominant hand. Finally, use the sign for "autistic" by bringing your dominant hand into your non-dominant "C" handshape near your chest.

2

She works with autistic children.

First, point to the person to indicate "she". Next, sign "work" by tapping your wrists together twice. Sign "with" by bringing two "A" handshapes together. Follow this with the sign for "autistic", and conclude by signing "children", patting the imaginary heads of children in front of you.

3

The autistic community is very supportive.

Begin with the sign for "autistic" near your chest. Next, sign "community" by forming your hands into "C" shapes and rotating them around each other in a circle. Conclude the sentence by signing "support" by pushing your dominant fist up under your non-dominant fist to show lifting up.

How to Sign "Autistic"
To sign "autistic", start by holding your non-dominant hand in front of your chest in a "C" handshape, with the palm facing your dominant side. Form your dominant hand into a flattened "O" or "S" handshape. Move your dominant hand into the opening of the non-dominant hand's "C" shape, as if placing something inside. This sign is based on the ASL sign for "include", but it is typically performed closer to the chest.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The modern sign for "autistic" is a beautiful example of how American Sign Language evolves to reflect community values. It is derived from the ASL sign for "include" or "involve". The dominant hand moving into the non-dominant hand's "C" shape symbolizes inclusion, acceptance, and the rich, internalized world of an autistic person. This sign was intentionally developed and embraced by the Deaf autistic community as a positive, affirming alternative to older signs that were based on medical deficits or negative stereotypes.
Signing Tips
When signing "autistic", pay attention to the placement of your hands. The sign should be performed relatively close to your chest, which helps distinguish it from the standard sign for "include" or "involve". Your non-dominant hand should form a clear "C" shape, acting as a receptacle, while your dominant hand smoothly moves into it. Keep the motion gentle and deliberate. Since this sign carries a lot of personal and community significance, signing it clearly and respectfully is important. Relax your shoulders and maintain a natural, neutral facial expression.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is performing this sign too far away from the body, which makes it look exactly like the general sign for "include". Remember to keep the movement small and close to your chest. Another common error is using older, outdated signs for "autistic"—such as twisting an "A" handshape near the forehead or face. Many members of the Deaf autistic community consider those older signs offensive or overly medicalized, so it is best to stick to the modern "include" variation shown here.
Regional Variations
While the "include" variation shown here is currently the most widely accepted and politically correct sign across North America, you may still encounter regional differences. In some areas, people simply prefer to fingerspell A-U-T-I-S-M or A-U-T-I-S-T-I-C. You might also occasionally see older, archaic signs, such as an "A" handshape placed near the forehead or face. However, because those older signs are often viewed negatively by neurodivergent advocates, the chest-level "include" sign is highly recommended for modern use.
Examples Using "Autistic" in a Sentence
1

My brother is autistic.

To sign this sentence, start by signing "my" with a flat hand on your chest. Then, sign "brother" by bringing an "L" handshape from your forehead down to your non-dominant hand. Finally, use the sign for "autistic" by bringing your dominant hand into your non-dominant "C" handshape near your chest.

2

She works with autistic children.

First, point to the person to indicate "she". Next, sign "work" by tapping your wrists together twice. Sign "with" by bringing two "A" handshapes together. Follow this with the sign for "autistic", and conclude by signing "children", patting the imaginary heads of children in front of you.

3

The autistic community is very supportive.

Begin with the sign for "autistic" near your chest. Next, sign "community" by forming your hands into "C" shapes and rotating them around each other in a circle. Conclude the sentence by signing "support" by pushing your dominant fist up under your non-dominant fist to show lifting up.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there more than one sign for autistic?

Yes, historically there were several other signs used, including one made by twisting an "A" handshape near the forehead. However, the sign shown here—which is based on the concept of "include"—is the modern, widely accepted version that is highly preferred by the Deaf autistic community today.

Can I just fingerspell the word instead of signing it?

Absolutely! Fingerspelling A-U-T-I-S-T-I-C or A-U-T-I-S-M is completely acceptable and is actually preferred by some individuals. If you are ever unsure of which sign is preferred by the neurodivergent people in your specific local community, fingerspelling is always a safe, clear, and respectful fallback option.

Why is the sign for autistic so similar to the sign for include?

The sign was intentionally adapted from the ASL word for "include" to emphasize acceptance, community involvement, and a positive view of neurodiversity. It represents a deliberate shift away from older signs that had negative, isolating, or overly medicalized connotations, focusing instead on belonging.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!