Higher Support Needs

A painful paradox: sometimes autism communities still exclude those with higher support needs.

"Everyone accepts autism until I actually display autistic traits. People are uncomfortable when I'm stimming. But only in ND spaces." — Higher support needs autistic adult

The Hidden Exclusion

Even in supposedly autism-friendly environments, masking ability becomes the baseline expectation. Visible autistic traits get side-eyed.

The message, intentional or not: "Be autistic, but not TOO autistic."

What It Looks Like

Autism levels are about support needs, not intelligence or worth:

• May need daily living assistance
• Communication differences (nonverbal, minimally verbal, AAC users)
• More visible sensory needs
• Need for structure that can't be flexible

"I am highly intelligent and despite that, I cannot care for myself. No one talks about the people in between." — Level 2 autistic adult

Terminology Matters

Nonverbal: Unable to speak consistently or at all.

Minimally verbal: ~30 words or less, may use scripts/echolalia.

Going mute: Can speak but cannot in certain situations—different from being nonverbal.

"I'm Not a Burden"

"I am not a burden but my condition is burdensome." — Level 2 autistic adult

Needing support is not shameful. Choosing appropriate support is self-advocacy.

For Lower Support Needs Autistics

• Don't assume your autism experience is universal
• Make space for different presentations
• Resist policing visible autism traits
• Support accommodations you don't personally need

True autism acceptance means accepting ALL autistic people—including those whose autism is visible and doesn't fit the "quirky but successful" narrative.

Next chapter: Resources — books, websites, and communities.