Different Types of Autism - Which One Do I Have?

I agree with you both

You're not stupid it's just super complex to the point that many people dont discuss it pr if they do they get it wrong. There are multiple kinds of autism but not really in a solid clear cut category way, it's a spectrum. Because it's a spectrum it can be hard to describe that you and other autistic people have the same condition with different symptoms, so we've come up with a long list of labels and types to help make distinctions between who experiences what. I'm sure you've heard some of them, like Asperger's is just ASD1 the first of three levels of autism that gauges how much support the individual needs. There's also verbal, nonverbal, and semi nonverbal types which is talked about sometimes.

no you're not stupid. Autism is a spectrum, but not a non linear one, like a bunch of different sliding scales thats different for anyone. The different lables are just a way for people to quickly describe parts of their autistic experience but theyre not necessary, and i wouldnt worry about them unless one really speaks to you like "yeah this is totally a big thing for me and letting ppl know that would be helpful". Some people like finding the perfect label(s) for themselves, but ive never been intrested, so domt feel like u have to either.

Some autistic individuals don't use the words autism but some say autistic or on the spectrum or Neurodiverse

In the DSM, there are also 3 severity levels of Autism: Level 1 - Requiring Support, Level 2 - Requiring Substantial Support, and Level 3 - Requiring Very Substantial Support. Perhaps that could be what you’re looking for? The DSM-5 TM also states: “Autism Spectrum Disorder encompasses disorders previously referred to as Early Infantile Autism, Childhood Autism, Kanner’s Autism, High-Functioning Autism, Atypical Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder not otherwise specified, Childhood Disintigrative Disorder, and Asperger’s Disorder.” (I know the term Asperger’s is outdated). Then, a person could also say what conditions they have that are co-morbid or seemingly related to their Autism. For example, my Autism is likely linked to damage to my brain that happened when I was born. I hope that something, here, is useful!

there's only ASD. the autistic community has created labels that can be helpful such as "sensory seeking" and "sensory avoidant" etc, but they aren't like, seperate diagnoses.