Portrayal of autistic people in films/TV

I’m autistic. The idea that my autism is in anyway comparable to that of someone with profound autism is ridiculous.

Yes, support needs can fluctuate but not to the extent that I’m suddenly going to require 24/7 care.

It doesn’t invalidate my struggles to acknowledge that others have it harder.

Incorrect on almost all your points, but thanks for playing.

Then they should try describing their situation without implying (or outright stating) that folk who are able to communicate and/or survive after a fashion aren't autistic.

These are the people I'm talking about:

• "I always say this and I cannot understand how they can all have ‘autism/are autistic’" (note that "cannot" usually means "will not")
• "There is a such a huge difference between the two ends of the spectrum that I don’t think it should have the same name."

That's not "describing their situation". That's redefining mine in order to validate their own (or, much more commonly, their child's).

Then they should try describing their situation without implying (or outright stating) that folk who are able to communicate and/or survive after a fashion aren't autistic.

These are the people I'm talking about:

• "I always say this and I cannot understand how they can all have ‘autism/are autistic’" (note that "cannot" usually means "will not")
• "There is a such a huge difference between the two ends of the spectrum that I don’t think it should have the same name."

That's not "describing their situation". That's redefining mine in order to validate their own (or, much more commonly, their child's).

Dinosaur on BBC is great. Written and starring Ashley Stories who is herself autistic. Second series is due out this autumn first series is on iPlayer.

Let me guess, diagnosed privately in 30’s, have a relationship and children, hold down a job and don’t need any outside support from another adult? Well lucky you.

Meanwhile, those who have children who can’t read, write or follow 2 step instructions (so need an EHCP) and are likely to need adult support forever (due to the severity of their disability because they can’t do anything for themselves
and will never be independent) should see it all as equal needs? The spectrum is so vast that it may as well have different names to distinguish between the two ends of it because they are absolutely like night and day.

I'm glad youre validated and don't need others to do that for you.

Unfortunately you can't dictate that others meet your needs by not describing their situation.

Profound autism doesnt invalidate your diagnosis, it clarifies theirs.

Being ignorant of others also includes those who perpetuate that others can't be impacted more by their autism than somebody else. The fact that some people are profoundly impacted doesnt invalidate your dx at all it just means your not as impacted as an non communicative adult, who can't do anything for themselves, likely has sibs, vocalises etc especially when you're able to argue on sm.

Let me guess, diagnosed privately in 30’s, have a relationship and children, hold down a job and don’t need any outside support from another adult? Well lucky you.

Meanwhile, those who have children who can’t read, write or follow 2 step instructions (so need an EHCP) and are likely to need adult support forever (due to the severity of their disability because they can’t do anything for themselves
and will never be independent) should see it all as equal needs? The spectrum is so vast that it may as well have different names to distinguish between the two ends of it because they are absolutely like night and day.

FFS, there's always a couple...the old "two ends of the spectrum" thing never gets old, does it? No matter how many times it's explained that's not what the "spectrum" in "spectrum condition" has ever meant, it's doggedly stuck to.

But not part of the diagnosis process. You may have the skills but be unable to use them to communicate.

This is getting tedious and I have no intention of going round in circles all night.

I already have all the validation I need for a lifetime of intense struggle - my diagnosis, as assessed by actual experts. In that context, the validation of the uneducated is neither required nor relevant.

What I do require is for those others to stop seeking to invalidate my diagnosis, and others', through their ignorance.

Being able to speak, read and write but not communicate? Speaking, reading and writing are modes of communication by definition.

I already have all the validation I need for a lifetime of intense struggle - my diagnosis, as assessed by actual experts. In that context, the validation of the uneducated is neither required nor relevant.

What I do require is for those others to stop seeking to invalidate my diagnosis, and others', through their ignorance.

You absolutely can’t dictate that- as we’ve said the ability to read and write has nothing to do with autism diagnosis.

Many can speak and read and write. It does not mean they use those tools
to communicate.

Why do you need validating by others.

I ask this in ernest. Why is it so offensive that there are people who are severly impacted by autism? Why is it distasteful or invalidating?

Your lack of compassion for that 'subset' speaks volumes.

So again you believe that someone who can't speak, read and write can have more severe autism than someone who can't.

I'm aware of different forms of communication such as objects of reference which is used with pre verbal people (verbal in the definition of being able to use words not speak via voice).

There are many ways of communicating and for some they may be able to read and write or speak but still can’t communicate hence reading and writing not being part of the diagnosis. Some people can speak but don’t.

It wasn't that hard for my son he was diagnosed at two after a wait because it was so clear.

You may want to check out profound autism and it's descriptors. They're quantifiable.

Well no, not everyone does get a bespoke dx, if only! Not everyone is impacted to the same severity and not constantly.

There isn't a world where someone whois able to communicate using speaking, reading and writing is more severe or as severe as my son. The premise is laughable.

A totally insulting post and incorrect. It’s impossible to split or compartmentalise autism. It’s nigh on impossible to get a diagnosis as it is on the NHS, hours of wrangling back and forth amongst professionals with challenges by families to incorrect categorisation is never going to happen.

Everybody with an autism diagnosis has a severe impact on their life, every second of every day. It never leaves and is impossible to quantify as everybody has a bespoke diagnosis across several traits.

Yet it's you that keeps raising the dsm not me? I put the visual up to show the change in the dx and the descriptors of levels.

Communication is a huge part of autism being able to speak, read and write are some pretty useful skills.