What Low-Support Really Means

 

There’s a good chance your idea of “low-support needs” autism looks very different from what it actually feels like, especially when ADHD is mixed in for an extra-spicy cocktail. 

Yes, some autistic people have what’s often called “profound autism,” and may be nonverbal or need significant daily support. That reality matters. 

But many of the same core struggles exist for those labelled “low support,” but they’re just less visible, often hidden behind masking. 

They still struggle with: 

• Needing routine, while also craving spontaneity 

• Emotional dysregulation, where everything feels intense 

• All-or-nothing thinking 

• Rejection sensitivity 

• Communication struggles 

• Experiencing the world in ways others don’t understand 

• Being seen as “immature” or “weird” 

• Deep hyperfocus on specific interests to the sacrifice of all else 

• A “spiky” skill set by excelling in some areas, while struggling with things others find simple, like tying shoes or knowing which foot to put on each shoe 

• Unpredictable energy 

• Sensory overwhelm that can cause your brain to go haywire 

A 'low-support' AuDHDer often gets labelled things like “too much,” “immature,” “obsessed,” “lazy,” “scatterbrained,” “hyper,” “rude,” “undisciplined,” "weird', and “loud.” This means they carry years of shame, masking their true self, and losing their identity and self-worth. 

And all the while, being told you’re “lucky” to be low support.

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