[whatthesmack]

> Why can't we classify a level or something? For example "Autistic level 1" for Asperger's, "Autistic level 2" for barely verbal, "Autistic level 3" for non-verbel... Something like that

Congratulations, the DSM-5 must have heard you talking :) It does have levels for autism, and classifies the levels in terms of support required:

- Level 1: Requiring support - Level 2: Requiring substantial support - Level 3: Requiring very substantial support

> To lump both those together is insane.

I'm diagnosed with ADHD and also clearly on the spectrum. This life has been decades of confusion and--finally--answers & discovery. My time with my son--diagnosed as Level 1 autistic--and my time observing people in Level 2 and level 3 makes me realize that what you say about lumping everything together is spot on. I always feel like our diagnoses make life oh so difficult, but then I see what parents and guardians of Level 3 autistic people go through and have nothing but endless empathy.