A new diagnosis of 'profound autism' is under consideration

7 days ago

The Lancet medical journal proposed a new category called 'profound autism' for autistic individuals with high support needs.
Profound autism criteria include limited communication, IQ below 50, and requiring 24-hour supervision, applicable to children aged 8+.
24% of autistic children in an Australian study met or were at risk of meeting profound autism criteria.
The category aims to improve support and research but may exclude others from services or overlook strengths.
Nearly half of children at risk of profound autism exhibited safety risks like running away, but other autistic children also had significant needs.
The profound autism category doesn't perfectly align with existing diagnostic support levels (e.g., level 2 vs. level 3).
Concerns include the age threshold of 8 years, which may require repeat assessments for younger children.
The category could help tailor support but must be promoted inclusively to avoid diminishing individual needs.
Practical steps for parents include explaining concerns clearly, seeking family support, and safety planning.
The study highlights the need for better resources and clinician expertise for children with high support needs.

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