Different levels of autism?

Things like severity and functioning labels are often a better reflection of what someone's autism looks like to others than they are of how that person really feels or what they need. Even levels, which are an indication of support needs, are a bit too generic to properly reflect the spiky skill profile a lot of autistic people have, though they're quite handy when you're giving a general overview (e.g. I do have low support needs overall and would presumably be considered level 1).

What I find most helpful is to say what someone's specific support needs actually are- whether that's via an advocate like a parent or carer or the person speaking for themselves. I know that I don't need support in my current work environment, for example, but I can't cook for myself without having a meltdown so I rely on someone else (usually my partner) to make sure I eat proper hot meals.

Basically though, you either meet the diagnostic criteria or you don't- having different needs or experiences doesn't mean some people are 'less autistic'.

Things like severity and functioning labels are often a better reflection of what someone's autism looks like to others than they are of how that person really feels or what they need. Even levels, which are an indication of support needs, are a bit too generic to properly reflect the spiky skill profile a lot of autistic people have, though they're quite handy when you're giving a general overview (e.g. I do have low support needs overall and would presumably be considered level 1).

What I find most helpful is to say what someone's specific support needs actually are- whether that's via an advocate like a parent or carer or the person speaking for themselves. I know that I don't need support in my current work environment, for example, but I can't cook for myself without having a meltdown so I rely on someone else (usually my partner) to make sure I eat proper hot meals.

Basically though, you either meet the diagnostic criteria or you don't- having different needs or experiences doesn't mean some people are 'less autistic'.