Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) encompass a broad range of conditions that affect children differently, particularly in social interaction and communication. These challenges are coupled with distinctive behaviors and sensory responses.
The spectrum’s diversity means that while some individuals with autism thrive independently, others may need lifelong assistance. This variability significantly influences employment prospects, access to education, and family life, often placing considerable demands on caregivers.
The quality of life for autistic individuals is heavily influenced by societal attitudes and the support they receive from local and national entities. Autism is sometimes noticeable in early childhood, although diagnoses are frequently made later.
In this article, we will explain the three levels of autism and how to manage each level.
What Are the Three Levels of Autism?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), defines three distinct levels of autism spectrum disorder: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, with Level 3 indicating the greatest need for support.
These levels of autism focus on the support necessary to facilitate the daily living needs of your child based on neurotypical benchmarks.
It’s crucial to remember that these categorizations don’t completely represent the dynamic and evolving nature of autism traits, which can vary significantly not only from day to day but even within a single day for one individual.
What the 3 Levels of Autism Represent
Understanding how DSM autism levels are applied reveals much about the unique nature of autism. Autism shapes how individuals behave, perceive their surroundings, and express themselves, with each person exhibiting distinct characteristics despite some commonalities.
The three levels of autism outlined in the DSM-5 are instrumental for healthcare providers in crafting personalized ABA therapy plans. These therapies aim to leverage an autistic child’s strength while enhancing social, language, and occupational skills.
However, because traits can span multiple levels, these classifications can be less practical outside clinical settings. Labeling someone based solely on DSM-defined levels risks overlooking their potential and fostering misconceptions.
The 2013 DSM-5 revision unified all previous autism diagnoses under a single ASD diagnosis with three support levels. It’s crucial to recognize that these medical definitions may not fully capture an individual’s self-identity or their experiences with neurodivergence.
Level 1: Requires Support
Children with Level 1 autism require some support but have relatively low support needs. They often face challenges in interacting with neurotypical people, such as difficulty saying the appropriate thing at the right moment or interpreting social cues and body language effectively.
Level 1 patients may struggle with transitioning between activities or trying new things. Organizing and planning their daily lives can be difficult, and their level of independence may not align with typical expectations for their age group.
Support needs for level 1 autistic children include:
- Individual or group therapy to enhance social interaction and communication skills.
- Assistance at work or school, including help with adjusting environmental factors like noise and lighting levels.
- Training in independent living skills to build confidence in managing home-based therapies and planning schedules.
- Identification and treatment plan for any mental health concerns.
People with Level 1 support needs may often mask their autism traits well, which can make it challenging for them to access necessary care. They might also receive an autism diagnosis later in life or display similar characteristics without a formal diagnosis.
Level 2: Requires Substantial Support
Individuals with a Level 2 autism diagnosis generally face more challenges in masking their traits compared to those at Level 1. They often struggle to communicate or interact in ways that are typically recognized or accepted by neurotypical society.
Children at Level 2 exhibit strong specific interests and repetitive behaviors that diverge from neurotypical norms. These actions may occur in contexts that neurotypical individuals find unusual or inappropriate for the setting.
For instance, a child might pace during class. Such behavior, known as stimming, helps autistic children regulate their internal states, much like neurotypical people who hum or tap their feet to self-soothe.
Support needs for level 2 autistic children Include:
- Speech therapy to enhance verbal communication skills.
- Behavioral therapy to address stimming or repetitive behaviors and increase flexibility.
- Use of assistive technologies to aid independent living skills.
Stimming can often be a response to environments that aren’t designed with neurodivergent individuals in mind. Children with autism might have heightened sensitivities to elements like texture, noise, lighting, and temperature. Due to these sensitivities, children exhibiting Level 2 traits often bear a greater burden of self-regulation.
Level 3: Requires Very Substantial Support
Children diagnosed with Level 3 autism require the highest degree of assistance. While they share many characteristics with other autistic individuals, they face significant challenges in masking their traits and managing self-regulation.
This often leads to difficulties with repetitive behaviors and communication, making social engagement, daily living activities, and adapting to changes particularly challenging.
It’s important to recognize that one child can have different support needs if they have different levels of autism in different spheres of life. Some may have lower support needs in certain aspects while requiring more substantial assistance in others.
Essential support strategies for level 3 autistic children include:
- Utilizing alternative communication methods like Functional Communication Training (FCT) for nonverbal children
- Providing routine or continuous care to ensure essential needs like bathing and feeding are met.
- Administering medications and other treatment plans to address cognitive, physical, and mental health issues.
- Offering advocacy to secure necessary services and protect against discrimination and abuse.
- Training Parents and caregivers to promote continuous support even at home and school.
Children with a Level 3 diagnosis often encounter more significant communication barriers and rarely initiate interactions, especially with neurotypical individuals. When they do engage, they may be perceived as awkward.
They might prefer parallel play over direct interaction or choose to engage with others using frameworks from social stories and scripts.
Consult a Qualified ABA Therapist
At Applied ABC, we understand the unique challenges that come with raising a child with ASD. That’s why we’re here to offer you the support and expertise of our certified ABA therapists.
Take the first vital step towards enhancing your child’s development by calling us at 866-352-5010 or submitting our online application form. Our dedicated professionals are ready to discuss your child’s individual needs and provide personalized strategies that empower them to thrive.
