Should the autism diagnosis be "split"?

Should the autism diagnosis be "split"? (A question posed in a recent NY Times article)

I don't know. 

But here's what I do know. 

A lot of people are feeling erased in the discourse around autism right now. 

Low support needs, late diagnosed autistic adults. Moderate to high support needs autistic adults. Parents of high support needs autistic children (kids and adults)...

And I think some people feel splitting the diagnosis will fix that. 

Unfortunately, I don't think it will. Because until we find a way to stand together, none of us will be heard.

I'm going to repeat that because it's the most important line of this entire post. 

Until we find a way to stand together... 

None of us will be heard. 

And to do that, we need to listen to each other. Really listen. Not talk to be heard, but listen to understand. 

Because what we need more than anything else right now is support. And not just any support. The RIGHT support. Which most of us aren't getting. The right support.

And I don't think splitting the diagnosis is the fix some people think it will be.

Unity is what we need.

It won't necessarily be a "fix" per se... but it can be the beginning of a healing journey. One our community needs so. badly. right now.

Because with unity, we can become a powerful force that influences meaningful change. Change that gets all autistic people the support they/we so desperately need... and DESERVE.

It won't be easy. But it's doable. 

I truly believe that with every ounce of my being.