As the definition of autism has widened, there’s a growing push to separate profound autism into its own diagnosis. People with this condition, such as 9-year-old twins from Massachusetts, need lifelong care. Proponents of separating out this condition seek to ensure that people like them get the support and services they need. But some in the autism community worry this would reduce attention on the broader spectrum and the individual needs of everyone on it. The debate is gaining prominence as the Trump administration focuses on autism, awarding money for research projects while promoting unproven and debunked claims about what causes it.
