Autism Spectrum Triangle
A new way to visualize the spectrum

The autism spectrum is non-linear.

Three sides of life: mental, social, and physical. You can present no social traits, yet have strong physical and mental ones and still be autistic. The Spectrum Triangle shows all three at once with your individualized intensity.

Build your triangle Take a test
The Autism Spectrum Triangle: mental traits at the top in pink, social traits at the lower left in yellow, and physical traits at the lower right in blue, blending together in the middle
Why a triangle?

From a line, to a circle, to a triangle.

Traits and symptoms present differently for each person, and many are hidden by masking. A single line can't hold that.

The line

"High functioning" and "low functioning" are not representative of individuals' needs. A linear analogy leaves out life's nuances.

The circle

Language, sensory processing, executive function, and more, as slices of a wheel. Better, but difficult to interpret.

An example Spectrum Triangle with mental, social, and physical traits blending together

The triangle

Mental, social, and physical, each flowing in from its own corner and blending where they meet. The more intense and combined your traits, the fuller and darker the center.

Explore

Build a triangle.

Select the traits you find relatable. Each side fills in from its own corner, the colors blend where they meet, and when all three are intense the center deepens.

Select traits you find relatable

Tests

Expand your triangle.

Each self-assessment fills in one or more sides of your triangle. Every test you take contributes more data to your personal triangle.

Compare

How you see yourself
vs. what tests reveal.

The traits you select above are your self-assessment. Your tests combine into a second triangle. Where the two differ is worth noticing: masking, for example, can hide traits from yourself and others.

Self-assessment

Self-identified traits

Testing assessment

Intensity

Many experience some traits, others experience all traits intensely.

DSM-5 levels indicate support needs, not how "functional" someone is. On the triangle these levels are represented not as clear steps, but saturation of color.

Neurotypical example on the Spectrum Triangle: faint color in each corner

Neurotypical

May experience some traits.

ASD level 1 example on the Spectrum Triangle: moderate mental, social, and physical traits

ASD level 1

Experiences traits on every side.

ASD level 2 example on the Spectrum Triangle: mental, social, and physical traits blending strongly

ASD level 2

Traits blend together requiring external support.

ASD level 3 example on the Spectrum Triangle: all three sides intense, with a deep center

ASD level 3

All three, intensely. For example: non-speaking with significant executive dysfunction.