I don’t know how to explain to people the exact wording of Jojo’s diagnosis.

He was not assigned a “functioning level.” The current Diagnosis Manual (DSM-5) no longer acknowledges functioning levels.

There are now only 3 levels based on their level of support required as determined by the diagnosing physician.

1) Requires support
2) Requires substantial support
3) Requiring VERY substantial support

Jojo responds to his name, makes great eye contact, shows affection and loves to snuggle, doesn’t stim or rock much, and will even play pretend appropriately.

Yet Jojo’s severity rating was still Level 3.

“*DSM-5 severity rating of Level 3 (requires very substantial support) is assigned for Social Communication and Restricted/Repetitive Behaviors. As noted in DSM-5 (p. 51), there is “recognition that severity may vary by context and fluctuate over time” and “[t]he descriptive severity categories should not be used to determine eligibility for and provision of services…these can only be developed at an individual level and through discussion of personal priorities and targets.”

So, technically, Jonah was diagnosed with “level 3 autism” which would be a “most severe” category, but that doesn’t even begin to describe Jonah.

“Ausome” more accurately describes him in my opinion.

So no. Maybe he doesn’t “look” severe according to your standards of how “severe autism ‘ought’ to look…”

…but maybe, Jojo can teach you something about it. Whatever you think it looks like…

It’s not what you think.

Original Facebook Post.