In this Hot Topic episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott respond to the growing media push to divide the autism spectrum — including a recent New York Times article that introduced the term “profound autism.”

They make it clear: the issue isn’t with autistic people who have higher support needs — it’s with the language, labels, and ableist frameworks used to define them. Jordan and Simon explore how separating the spectrum into categories like “high” and “low functioning” or “profound” and “mild” only deepens stigma, misunderstanding, and division within the autistic community.

Together, they discuss:

• Why the “profound autism” label is harmful and reductive
• The New York Times article that reignited this debate
• How language shapes perception, policy, and empathy
• The autism spectrum is an umbrella that unites, not divides
• Why all autistic experiences — regardless of support needs — belong together
• The need for compassion, inclusion, and respect across the entire spectrum

This episode calls out fear-based narratives and reframes the conversation around what truly matters: understanding, dignity, and unity for every autistic person — no matter where they sit under the spectrum umbrella.

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