Session is sponsored by Autism Science Foundation.
The wide range of needs, features, abilities and disabilities of people across the autism spectrum has created challenges for determining what support or treatment works best in what person at what stage in life.
The intent of the broadening definition has been to be more inclusive, but an unintended consequence has been to limit the opportunities of individuals because there is no “one size fits all” approach to helping those with a diagnosis. In response, the Lancet Commission on Autism Care published a definition of a subgroup of autism called “profound autism” which includes those with severe intellectual disability and/or minimal language which creates the need for round the clock care. In this presentation, we will discuss the need and origin of profound autism, how the definition has been applied to research studies and how it can be used to help those across the autism spectrum receive more specific and effective services and supports.