Explain to me why you offence is caused by saying things like 'mildly autistic' etc.

[Purpleturtle45]

If ASD is a spectrum why do people commonly disagree that you can be mildly autistic or severely autistic etc.

My daughter is diagnosed with ASD, however you wouldn't really know unless you knew her well. She goes to mainstream school and copes well with everyday life most of the time so to me I would say she is mildly autistic but I often see people getting ripped to shreds on here for using that term.

Genuinely wondering how 'spectrum' can literally be in the title of the condition but people disagree there can be different severities.

An interesting article in the guardian on the possibility of introducing 'profound autism' as a separate category. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/feb/15/profound-autism-meaning-what-is-parents-need-to-know

I do think that better recognition for those who need all-round care would be a good thing.

At the moment, the "middle ground" can be so muddled. It is a bit of a nightmare when people see you typing away on a forum and assume you're not affected because they have a certain view of how an autistic person should be.

On the other hand, it is damaging when people look at someone with very high support needs and think they aren't trying hard enough because their sister from another mother is autistic yet scaled a mountain, won the noble peace prize and volunteers at the weekends. It creates these impossible standards and total misunderstandings for everyone involved.

I’m not entirely sure if changing the labels is the answer though because words have never really changed most people's perception on things, but maybe it's a start.