Separating out those with ASD with an intellectual disability from those with ASD without an intellectual disability can more precisely identify factors that influence probability of having a child with ASD as well as factors which can prevent or preclude services. For example, in those without an intellectual disability, there seems to be stronger heritable component. Mothers and fathers with ASD were more likely to have a child with ASD without an ID compared to those with an ID. Also, children of immigrant parents may be missed and lack essential services if they do not have more profound identifiable symptoms like ID. For the sake of better improving research and services for everyone, is it time to stop lumping and start splitting?

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103358/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33049777/