#lower support needs

like, i'm glad you feel represented by "autistic-coded" characters, but like... i want representation for level 2 and 3 autistics, low masking autistics, autistics who need caregivers, autistics who use aac (and not just high tech aac), multiply disabled autistics, autistics who have severe meltdowns, intellectually disabled autistics, autistics who need visible disability aids, autistics who need to be heavily accommodated or helped by others, etc etc etc.

it's okay to like autistic-coded characters, lower support needs characters, etc. i love those characters too! that kind of representation is also important! but i also think it would just be really nice and healing to see myself and my higher support needs autistic friends represented in media outside of just like, kids shows.

I have seen people defining the LSN, MSN, and HSN support need labels differently in the Autistic community and broader disability community. Today, I'd like to make a poll about 3 possible definitions.

It's a long post, but I'd really appreciate your poll vote!

Why it Matters

Lack of clear definitions can confuse people, leading to issues like stress and imposter syndrome. If we can reach a stronger consensus, we can reduce this confusion and stress.

I see different people endorsing different definitions. I've fixated and stressed over it. If we can reach a stronger consensus, maybe we can stress less.

Defining Acronyms

Some of you will know this and some won't, so let's explain.

Here's what the labels mean:

LSN = low(er) support needs relative to other autistics/disabled people

MSN = medium support needs

HSN = high support needs

Some definitions use activities of daily living (ADLs). There are 2 types of ADLs, instrumental and basic.

iADLs = stuff like cooking, shopping, managing doctor appointments, transportation, etc. (often learned around teen years)

bADLs = 6 things: bathing, dressing, eating, moving around (e.g. getting up, going to a different room), grooming/hygiene, and toileting (often learned in toddler/childhood years)

Some needs, like the need for supervision, are not covered by ADLs.

3 Possible Definitions

Now that we know our acronyms, let's cover our definitions:

Strict ADL definition: LSNs need help with iADLs only, MSNs need some bADL help, and HSNs need help with every single bADL (i.e., if you can get around the house without someone helping you sit/walk/roll, you're not an HSN)

Looser ADL definition: LSNs need help with some iADLs, MSNs need help with most/all iADLs and few/no bADLs, and HSNs need major bADL help

Holistic definition: LSNs can live independently perhaps with some support, MSNs need a caregiver or support worker for health/safety, and HSNs need intense daily support

For example, imagine someone who can do few iADLs but all bADLs, while also needing 24/7 supervision for safety. Under the strict definition, this person would be an LSN. Under the loose one, they'd be MSN. Under the holistic one, they'd be HSN.

Now, I'll ask your opinions and whether you're autistic or disabled.

My hope is to reach as many people as possible and create a respectful, helpful discussion.

Please:

If you comment, be kind and respectful of others (even if they disagree with you or you don't like the poll)

Consider sharing so we can get more votes

That's the picture

[ID: A Halloween pumpkin with arms and legs. It wears headphones and uses a tangle. It has an infinity symbol on it.]

abusive parents don't just start being normal when they have a disabled child. you probably still would've been abused, even if it looked different.

i'm just so sick of low support needs autistics claiming that they "had to do (insert activity) or would get abused" and like... the sad fact is that if you couldn't push through and do whatever activity, then you probably would've been abused for it. like many many higher support needs autistics are.

i'm begging you to stop acting like higher support needs autistics can't be victims of abuse, acting like they must not be nearby or listening when you talk like this, etc. please treat us like people. we can be abused just like anyone else, and we very regularly are!

having higher support needs doesn't prevent abuse. stop acting like it does.

Yes, I have worked before. But I absolutely did not do those jobs without difficulty. And you did not see me on my bad days or during my challenging moments (when my needs were higher).

I can't just "get a job". Yes, I can talk, I can generally understand people, understand and manage my needs, and navigate the world, but that does NOT mean I'm without needs.

I still find eye contact very difficult, stim a lot, have self injuring stims, experience verbal shutdown if too overstimulated or caught off guard or emotionally overwhelmed, desperately struggle with regulating my body temperature and operating in the heat, feel distressed if my routine is changed without warning, struggle with loud noises and strong lighting (the list goes on), all things that a lot of employers may not accommodate, want to accommodate, or may even discriminate against.