Autism 'levels'
Robin
Member
in General ASD
I recently overheard a colleague, whose child has been diagnosed with autism, explaining to our team that there are 'three levels of autism'. He was describing the difficulties that his child was experiencing.Ā
I know that these broad levels are used to refer to the amount of support that an autistic person will need. But I was concerned that this simplistic reference to 'levels of autism' risked leading those who don't know much about the subject to conclude that other 'levels' are somehow 'milder' - in other words, relating the extent of support to the subjective experience of the individual.Ā
I know that the debates around such language aren't new. But for me, they had an immediate relevance because I am new to this team and have been trying to explain my needs to my colleagues. These are difficult for them to understand, partly because I probably don't appear autistic to the casual observer. The task is made harder by simplistic language. I tried to explain this, but with limited success! What suggestions do others have for this kind of situation?
I know that these broad levels are used to refer to the amount of support that an autistic person will need. But I was concerned that this simplistic reference to 'levels of autism' risked leading those who don't know much about the subject to conclude that other 'levels' are somehow 'milder' - in other words, relating the extent of support to the subjective experience of the individual.Ā
I know that the debates around such language aren't new. But for me, they had an immediate relevance because I am new to this team and have been trying to explain my needs to my colleagues. These are difficult for them to understand, partly because I probably don't appear autistic to the casual observer. The task is made harder by simplistic language. I tried to explain this, but with limited success! What suggestions do others have for this kind of situation?
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