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Does anyone else like the USA level system (or is it just me)

MeMe

I don't often find myself preferring the USA medical or clinical systems, so this is a new one for me, but...

I have to say, for me, having a simple way to say my level of autism quickly would be extremely helpful (I'm wondering if this is just because I still have speaking and language challenges).

I understand that they are limited and don't give a true picture of the level of support needs that exist for autistic people, and everyones experince differs and can not be placed into 3 simple boxes, but I think there is a place for them.

For me, the levels would allow me to quickly say to people, mainly professionals, what my support level is (not my support needs, just the level).  It would reduce misunderstanding, conflict, frusutration and gaslighting, and it would reduce the trauma I experience.

I also feel the levels should be updated, as I believe there are more than 3.

I think at least 4 should be introduced, I think:

Level 4 - Profound Autism and High Need (with or without intellectual disability)

Level 3 - Early Developmental Delays and Significant Need (with or without intellectual disability)

Level 2 - No Early Developmental Delays and Moderate Needs (similar to the old Asperger's profile)

Level 1 - Not meeting diagnostic criteria but recognised Neurodivergent brain writing - low or no support needs (I think it's important that this is clinically recognised as it could help people manage their mental wellbeing better with better understanding and better treatment options).


Parents

  • You know I think you could be right with needing something to distinguish overhere in the UK. From the article yesterday about Uta Frith, having something clear that does at least mark the very high support needs might be beneficial so it's more clear on paper who has profound autism -it would also make it clearer to explain to the lay person that there is a difference, instead of the confusion saying low needs somehow detract from high need support when we really aren't.

    I think there might be a term already for the one you have at your level 1 -I think it's BAP, Broader Autistic Phenotype. I dont' know if that's official language they use over here, but the definition is having the traits but not enough issues to be diagnosed ASD, like a sibling of someone who is, they share genes after all. Having proper language that is recognised would really help, whatever that looks like.

Reply

  • You know I think you could be right with needing something to distinguish overhere in the UK. From the article yesterday about Uta Frith, having something clear that does at least mark the very high support needs might be beneficial so it's more clear on paper who has profound autism -it would also make it clearer to explain to the lay person that there is a difference, instead of the confusion saying low needs somehow detract from high need support when we really aren't.

    I think there might be a term already for the one you have at your level 1 -I think it's BAP, Broader Autistic Phenotype. I dont' know if that's official language they use over here, but the definition is having the traits but not enough issues to be diagnosed ASD, like a sibling of someone who is, they share genes after all. Having proper language that is recognised would really help, whatever that looks like.

Children
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