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james_bond_junior t1_j6323uf wrote

Reply to comment by X-the-Komujin in Boarding school ignored teen’s sickness complaints before she died, ex-staff say by ninjascotsman

Have you heard why defining someone as “severely autistic” or “lightly autistic” is not good? I’m autistic, if you’re interested let me know and I can type more about it.

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X-the-Komujin t1_j633nyt wrote

It's a spectrum and no single case is alike, but many neurotypicals don't understand the spectrum so I define it as that. The truth is the spectrum isn't a "line of intelligence" rather it is how severely the autism affects a certain person's capabilities.

I have seen those terms used as insults, but I disregard that when speaking in an objective manner.

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LizbetCastle t1_j6464y2 wrote

Just by the way you write about others and your own experience, I can see that you’ve done a ton of self work and have a lot of compassion, I’m sorry that it came at the price of what sounds like PTSD. I hope someday you can get the support you would like, because someone with your gifts could make a huge difference in the world.

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james_bond_junior t1_j67tj5e wrote

Since the “light” and “severe” adjectives don’t have a medical basis, they are based on how the autistic person makes them feel and hasn’t got to do with what the autistic person is actually going through in that moment or during other parts of their life. Someone could struggle to take basic care of themselves at home and be going through intense anxiety in the moment which will cause a non-verbal shutdown later, but someone they are speaking to could be surprised they are autistic and claim it must be “light autism”. If they interacted with that same person during the shut down, it might be “mild” or “severe”.

Having said that, I can understand how that language could help to get certain ideas across to people who don’t understand autism.

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AhabMustDie t1_j64clef wrote

I'm interested — is it the same argument for why the terms "high-functioning" and "low-functioning" shouldn't be used?

What terms do you think are better? Profound autism? High-support vs low-support needs?

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james_bond_junior t1_j68vfjv wrote

Yeah exactly, it’s the same thought process behind that. So you would talk about it in terms of some or other specific support need. Someone might not be able to go to the grocery store alone, but if online shopping is available it’s not something that might have an impact on their life and therefore isn’t a support need.

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