Profound Autism

ASF President Alison Singer co-authored a 2021 Lancet Commission report that formally recognized the need for and endorsed the use of the term “profound autism” for the first time in a peer-reviewed medical journal. As outlined by The Lancet Commission’s report, those with “profound autism”:

• Are at least 8 years old
• Require 24-hour access to an adult who can care for them
• Have a cognitive ability measured by IQ of less than 50 and/or non-speaking or minimal verbal ability  

ASF believes the use of the term “profound autism” will provide critical specificity to the extremely broad autism spectrum. This will equip parents, service providers and the public with the language necessary to ensure that individuals with autism receive the accommodations and interventions they need. Concise, meaningful terms like profound autism will simplify the process of determining appropriate care, leading to quicker and more precise interventions.