Ask Dr Doreen: What do the autism numbers mean? episode artwork

EPISODE · May 19, 2026 · 59 MIN

Ask Dr Doreen: What do the autism numbers mean?

from Ask Dr. Doreen

On today's show Dr. Granpeesheh answers questions from the audience about the 2 numbers that come with an autism diagnosis.  Why does it seem like people are only using 1 number?  Can two numbers really be useful, can one.  Also discussed, this weekend's ABAI conference. 00:00 Intro & Welcome 00:52 Dr. Doreen's Background in Autism  01:53 How to Watch & Join the Show 03:05 Podcast + Ad-Free Option 03:54 Event Announcement: All Ghouls Gala 06:16 Conference Preview (ABA International) 09:05 Whole Child Approach & Medical Needs 12:34 Topic Introduction: Autism Severity Numbers 13:24 How Autism Diagnosis Works (2 Domains) 16:27 Repetitive Behaviors Explained 20:20 What Severity Levels (1–3) Mean 22:19 Why Some Diagnoses Only Show One Number 26:05 Parent Issue: Missing Severity Numbers 30:11 Concerns About Labeling Kids by "Levels" 31:40 Why the Numbers Exist (Support Needs) 35:35 When Sharing Severity Levels Is Helpful 37:05 Why Levels Should NOT Define Identity 37:51 Parent Conflict Over Comparing Children 40:13 How to Talk About Differences Respectfully 46:25 Sensitivity Around Labels & "Disorder" 49:45 Why Diagnosis Matters for Support 51:11 School Denying IEP for Level 1 Child 54:36 Medical vs Educational Support Differences 56:30 How to Fight for an IEP (Legal Rights) 58:30 Closing & Next Episode Preview

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published May 19, 2026

Embed this episode

Ready to play

Ask Dr Doreen: What do the autism numbers mean?

0:00 59:30

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Ask Dr. Doreen?

This episode is 59 minutes long.

When was this Ask Dr. Doreen episode published?

This episode was published on May 19, 2026.

Can I download this Ask Dr. Doreen episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!