There is NOT just "one way" to be autistic.
When people hear the word spectrum, they often imagine a straight line—from “mild” to “severe.”
But autism doesn’t work like that.
Some children can speak in full sentences, but can’t handle loud noises.
Others may not talk at all, but can solve puzzles, read early, or play piano by ear.
Some need 24/7 support with basic daily care. Others ace academic tests but completely fall apart in social situations.
That’s the real autism spectrum. It’s more like a color wheel—or a dashboard of settings, each with its own level of intensity.
Sensory needs, language, attention, anxiety, flexibility… each autistic person has their own unique combination.
That’s why terms like “high-functioning” and “low-functioning” can be so misleading.
A child might “function” well at school but come home and completely melt down from the effort it took to hold it together.
Another child might struggle with spoken language but be extremely aware of what’s going on around them.
So when public figures (like RFK Jr.) only focus on one part of the spectrum, it creates confusion. It leaves out the children and adults who don’t fit that picture—and the families who are trying to understand a more complex reality.
This is why I wrote Untangling Autism: How to Parent Your Neurodiverse Child in a Neurotypical World.
It’s a guide to helping understand the full range of neurodiverse experiences—and how to support your child in ways that truly fit them.
Check out the book HERE