The Growing Divide in Autism Diagnosis
A heated debate is unfolding in the medical and neurodiversity communities: should the autism spectrum be split into separate diagnoses to better serve those with severe needs? Families of individuals with profound autism argue that the broadening of diagnostic criteria has left their loved ones without adequate support .
Why the Spectrum May Be Too Broad
Since the consolidation of autism subtypes into a single diagnosis—Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)—in the DSM-5 (2013), many families of nonverbal or intellectually disabled individuals say their needs have been overlooked in favor of higher-functioning narratives .
Two Autisms? Advocates Push for a Dual Classification
Proponents of splitting the spectrum propose distinguishing between:
- Profound (or Severe) Autism: Characterized by intellectual disability, limited or no speech, and high support needs.
- Autism Without Intellectual Disability: Often associated with strong verbal and cognitive skills but social communication differences.
Key Statistics: The Spectrum in Numbers
| Category | Estimated Prevalence | Support Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Autism with Intellectual Disability | ~30-40% of diagnosed cases | 24/7 care, limited independence |
| Autism without Intellectual Disability | ~60-70% of diagnosed cases | May attend mainstream schools, live independently |
Neurodiversity vs. Medical Model: A Clash of Perspectives
The neurodiversity movement emphasizes autism as a natural variation of human cognition, opposing pathologizing language. However, families of severely affected individuals argue this view minimizes the real challenges of daily care, safety, and communication .
As Dr. Thomas Frazier, a clinical psychologist and father of a child with severe autism, stated: “One-size-fits-all autism policy leaves the most vulnerable behind.”
Explore more on [INTERNAL_LINK:autism-spectrum-disorder-diagnosis].
