1. adaptation to reality by modifying one’s own behavioral patterns, rather than by altering one’s environment. Autoplastic behavior can be negative and psychologically harmful, as in the development of neurotic behavior, or positive and psychologically healthy, as in the tendency toward more adaptive thinking and action following psychotherapeutic intervention. Also called autoplastic development.

2. surgical repair using tissue from another part of the patient’s body. Compare alloplasty. —autoplastic adj.