> invokes images of a child that screams and shits themselves
This is a generalized problem with the self-proclaimed neurodiversity/"autism rights" movement, though. They do very well at expressing the wishes of reasonably high-functioning folks with autistic traits, but don't seem to relate to the kids who can't speak intelligibly and spend their time banging their head against the wall any better than everyone else. Saying that "we shouldn't talk about low vs. high functioning autism, because it's more complex than that" feels like a cop out.
What is there to say about low vs. high functioning autism? People with low functioning autism can't be helped by social movements about recognizing human diversity, they can be helped by medical research and support for their parents. High functioning autism probably can't be helped by social movements either (what's the plan, to talk everybody out of using the subconscious screening system that makes them not like people with neurological disorders? can the discomfort that is felt when someone with MS is making jerky movements be reasoned out of people's guts?) but that's another question.
Maybe this debate is nothing more than a sink for the energies of people who honestly care but can't change anything, keeping them occupied until medical science sends the whole issue the way of dwarfism.
> they can be helped by medical research and support for their parents.
Many people in the "autism rights" movement oppose these things, often with strident rhetoric. They view any "medicalization" of the condition they happen to share with their lower-functioning fellows as inherently inhumane.
This is a generalized problem with the self-proclaimed neurodiversity/"autism rights" movement, though. They do very well at expressing the wishes of reasonably high-functioning folks with autistic traits, but don't seem to relate to the kids who can't speak intelligibly and spend their time banging their head against the wall any better than everyone else. Saying that "we shouldn't talk about low vs. high functioning autism, because it's more complex than that" feels like a cop out.