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Autism advocate says the 'spectrum' focus is too broad
Why we need to embrace 'profound autism' for better support
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By Peter Clark (Senior Editor, Autism Info Center) Thursday 30th October 2025 |
The Transmitter's opinion piece, originating from the Simons Foundation (a US non-profit organisation) argues that the current "autism spectrum disorder" term is too broad, leading to a breakdown in consensus over priorities, needs, and language within the autism community.
The writer suggests that the advocacy success of higher-functioning autistic people has unintentionally overshadowed and harmed those with 'profound autism', whose outcomes and daily struggles are drastically different.
The article calls for a renewed focus on differentiating needs, particularly for those with low IQ and severe challenges, and pushes back against language censorship that excludes accurate scientific terminology necessary for research and care.
Source: The Transmitter (USA)
https://www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/its-time-to-embrace-profound-autism/
Further reading, listening and viewing...
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