Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that usually manifests in early childhood and affects how someone perceives and processes emotions, experiences, and relationships.
ASD impacts people differently, and some may require more support than others. Because of this, autism is classified by level of support. This article outlines the three levels of autism and what kind of tailored support is needed for each.
Why Autism Is Classified by Support Levels
Autism is a spectrum, which means that individuals with ASD may not need the same kind of support as someone else with ASD. To ensure people with autism get the correct support they need, autism is classified by three different support levels.
However, these levels do not determine intelligence, and it would be wrong to use them as such. These support levels simply outline needs and let a child receive the proper therapy and support. Over time, support levels can shift, so someone with level 3 autism may not need as severe support long-term.
Level 1 Autism (Requiring Support)
Level 1 autism is the mildest form of autism and often goes unnoticed, as characteristics are subtle and minimal assistance is needed.
While easy to miss, there are a few common symptoms of level 1 autism that are identifiable:
- Trouble initiating conversation
- Difficulty understanding social cues
- Need for routine
- Distress during unexpected changes
- Challenges with planning and organizing
- Sensitivity to loud noises, certain textures, or bright lights
A common misconception is that level 1 autism is mild enough not to require support. This is far from the truth. Difficulty with social interaction and sensory issues are common among individuals with level 1, requiring support in these areas.
Level 2 Autism (Requiring Substantial Support)
There are greater daily functioning challenges for individuals whose autism is at level 2, requiring substantial support in communication and behavioral areas.
For someone with level 2 autism, they may have greater difficulty in:
- Maintaining eye contact
- Forming complex sentences
- Breaking patterns and routines
- Adapting to environmental changes (lights, sounds, etc.)
For these individuals, ongoing therapy and support for verbal and nonverbal communication is needed. Speech therapy can help in these areas, as well as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. These programs aim to support independence and aid in navigating relationships and social interactions.
Level 3 Autism (Requiring Very Substantial Support)
As the highest level of care for autism, severe communication impairments and behavioral challenges are common with level 3, requiring daily support needs.
It is common to notice these symptoms in individuals with level 3 autism:
- Minimal or no social interaction
- High repetitive behaviors
- Extreme distress over changes in routine or patterns
- Difficulty with dressing, eating, and bathing
- High risk of wandering and accidental injury
- Extreme sensitivity to light and noise
While level 3 autism requires substantial daily support, it is possible for individuals to gradually step down into a lower level of care with the proper long-term therapy and support.
Autism Levels vs Intellectual Ability
It cannot be stressed enough that autism levels do not define intelligence. Someone with level 3 autism can have an above-average IQ, while someone with level 1 autism, or no autism at all, could have very low intellectual ability.
Autism levels are tested separately from IQ levels, and they only outline the specific support that an individual with autism needs. In fact, a 2008 study from the CDC shows that only 38% of individuals with autism have an intellectual disability.
While autism can bring challenges with social interaction and adaptive behavior, many individuals also notice increased focus and attention to detail. These invaluable strengths can lead to great success academically and professionally.
How Autism Levels Affect Daily Life
As autism levels define the support needed in an individual’s daily life, the effects of autism vary by level.
- Level 1: While individuals can handle daily self-care and communication, they might experience anxiety with change, social awkwardness, or inflexibility with routine.
- Level 2: These individuals experience greater difficulty with social interaction and may need outside support in this area. It is common to notice difficulty in switching tasks and increased distress when routines change.
- Level 3: Severe sensory issues impact most daily activities, and communication is minimal. Constant support is needed for individuals with level 3 autism.
No matter which level of autism an individual has, it is expected that school, relationships, and independence will be impacted to some degree. While most people with level 1 autism maintain much of their independence, they may still experience social challenges. Because of this, many schools offer special support for those with autism and other developmental disorders.
Treatment and Support for Different Autism Levels
After decades of research, there are now numerous programs and therapy options for the three support levels of autism.
- ABA therapy
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Adaptive skills training
- Special education programs
These programs and therapies are designed to teach communication and daily living skills, ultimately supporting independence and daily functioning.
How Roman Empire Agency Supports Individuals Across the Autism Spectrum
At Roman Empire Agency, we support children and adults with autism through therapies such as ABA, adaptive skills training, and independent skills training. Through these services, we help individuals across the spectrum gain independence and learn valuable life skills.
To learn more about the various levels of autism and how we support each one, contact us today!
