Overview
- International experts commissioned by The Lancet have proposed a 'profound autism' category for people aged eight and over with little or no language, IQ below 50, and a need for 24‑hour support.
- An Australian analysis of 513 children assessed from 2019 to 2024 found 24% met or were at risk of meeting the proposed criteria, consistent with international estimates.
- The study reports safety‑related behaviors were common in this group, including higher rates of elopement attempts compared with other autistic children.
- Researchers found the definition did not neatly match Australia’s NDIS support tiers, with 8% of at‑risk children labeled level 2 instead of level 3 and 17% at level 3 not meeting the proposed criteria.
- Proponents say a clear category could improve services and research focus for those with the highest needs, while critics warn of stigma and potential diversion of attention from others on the spectrum; the proposal remains under discussion rather than adopted.