Diagnosis levels

My 9 year old son has recently been diagnosed with ASD, mild level. From what I have researched I would have said moderate level would be more reflective of him. I am also concerned that he won't then get the right level of support he needs which could affect how well he can thrive despite the challenges. Has anyone had a similar situation? Should I push back with the company who did the assessment, do they ever change it? Or am i overworrying? Does anybody know anymore how they differentiate between the levels. Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

Parents
  • I'm surprised they said anything about levels at all. The levels in the DSM5 are really about the American social security system.

    Indeed, I asked about levels when I was diagnosed, but current thinking is they don't actually help you very much. And actually, I agree categorisation like sever/ mild, or low / high functioning; or level 1 -3, really don't do us a lot of favours. It's more of a case of 'you are autistic' that can cause different problems in different ways at different times.

    In many context I doubt people notice my autism, though they'll never see how hard I'm working underneath to keep up with the social threads, hints and nuances or screen out the sensory bombardment. In others, - just try sticking me in a hospital - it could not be more obvious and the support need is high. Other autistic folk cope just fine in the doctors, but are totally overwhelmed by the most basic of social chats.

    Personally, I think it better to talk about the level and type of current support needed, rather than the level of autism. The level of required support can change; up or down, as we go through life, but we are never any more or less autistic.

Reply
  • I'm surprised they said anything about levels at all. The levels in the DSM5 are really about the American social security system.

    Indeed, I asked about levels when I was diagnosed, but current thinking is they don't actually help you very much. And actually, I agree categorisation like sever/ mild, or low / high functioning; or level 1 -3, really don't do us a lot of favours. It's more of a case of 'you are autistic' that can cause different problems in different ways at different times.

    In many context I doubt people notice my autism, though they'll never see how hard I'm working underneath to keep up with the social threads, hints and nuances or screen out the sensory bombardment. In others, - just try sticking me in a hospital - it could not be more obvious and the support need is high. Other autistic folk cope just fine in the doctors, but are totally overwhelmed by the most basic of social chats.

    Personally, I think it better to talk about the level and type of current support needed, rather than the level of autism. The level of required support can change; up or down, as we go through life, but we are never any more or less autistic.

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