The term 'Autism' means 'absorbed in the self'.

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That is what my developmental psychology textbook says under autistic disorder.

LOL

The word terrific is based in the word terror. Language is fluid and changes over time.

so we get named after the term absorbed in the self. niceeeee.
the textbook was published only two years ago.

Well, you could look at the phrase "absorbed in self" in different ways, like the difference between "childish" and "childlike". They basically mean the same thing but also imply different meanings. I can understand "absorbed in self" when it relates to the feeling of disconnectedness from anyone but one's self. Not that I intellectually feel that I am the only important person, but that I "know" only myself.

Which genius wrote that book...

i think it also refers to the fact we need little external stimuli to feel content and to much stimuli wil even make us unconfertable.

Yea I am self absorbed so what. Could it be the environment I am in. Are these people @$$ holes. Perhaps what I need to do is get my self into a better environment where people around me have the whit and charm to coax me out so I wouldn't have to entertain myself!

"Autism" is one of the most brilliant, nuanced, and perfect terms the world of science has ever produced.

I don't understand the problem here. I frequently describe myself as self absorbed. No point in calling it other than it is.

"Autism comes from the Greek word αὐτός (autós), meaning self. Because the word refers to egocentric thinking, Bleuler defined autism as "autistic withdrawal of the patient to his fantasies, against which any influence from outside becomes an intolerable disturbance."This definition would manifest as characteristics of autism such as obsession with small details, or an inability to stray from a routine."
and
"The manifestations of autism cover a wide spectrum, ranging from individuals with severe impairments—who may be silent, mentally disabled, and locked into hand flapping and rocking—to high functioning individuals who may have active but distinctly odd social approaches, narrowly focused interests, and verbose, pedantic communication"

were two interesting things i read and made a note of.

I stay absorbed into myself a lot with special intense interests and music. I talk to people, but I often enjoy the company of myself. I am quite family oriented and enjoy watching cartoons with my sons and talking to them about their day, etc. I'm not a recluse or anything like that. But I find pleasure withdrawing into my world of my interests when I need to.

I don't see anything negative in being self-absorbed. Beats the heck out of being a busy body who has all the answers for everyone else's life. I'm pretty much in my own thoughts to some extent all the time even when I'm engaged in activities with others.

Now being selfish ... that's an entirely different kind of thing. Seems to me that's a far more dangerous and far more common trait in today's materialistic world. Biggest car, biggest house, nicest stuff, most money. A very destructive trap to fall into.

Personally, it would be much easier for me to give you the shirt off my back than it would be to give you my undivided attention.