Understanding Autism Levels: A Complete Guide to Level 1, 2, and 3 Autism
Learn about the three levels of autism spectrum disorder, what they mean, and how support needs vary at each level.
The DSM-5 update in 2013 changed how we classify autism. It introduced a new system for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Instead of separate diagnoses, autism is now categorized into three levels. These are based on the amount of support an individual needs.
Clinical Director's Insight
"I remind families that autism levels act as a snapshot. They describe support needs at a specific time. They are not a fixed limitation. In my 20+ years, I've seen children at all levels make great progress.
What matters most isn't the level assigned but finding the right support that meets your child where they are and helps them grow."
– Jennifer Harbour, M.S., BCBA
What Are the Three Levels of Autism?
According to the CDC, autism is characterized by social communication challenges. It also involves restricted, repetitive behaviors.
The three levels help clinicians, educators, and families understand the degree of support an individual needs:
- Level 1: Requiring support
- Level 2: Requiring substantial support
- Level 3: Requiring very substantial support
It's important to understand that these levels describe support needs, not intelligence or potential. Many individuals across all levels lead fulfilling, meaningful lives with appropriate support.
Level 1 Autism: "Requiring Support"
Level 1 autism was once called "high-functioning autism" or Asperger's syndrome. These terms are no longer used in diagnosis.
Individuals at this level typically have average or above-average intelligence and can often live independently with some support.
Characteristics of Level 1 Autism
Social Communication
- Difficulty initiating social interactions
- May appear awkward in conversations
- Struggles with back-and-forth communication
- May have trouble making or keeping friends
- Difficulty reading social cues
Behavior Patterns
- Inflexibility in routines
- Difficulty with transitions
- Problems with organization and planning
- May have intense special interests
- Can mask or camouflage autistic traits
Support Needs at Level 1
Individuals with Level 1 autism often benefit from:
- Social skills training and support
- Executive functioning coaching
- Workplace accommodations
- Therapy to manage anxiety or sensory sensitivities
- Clear, explicit communication from others
Level 2 Autism: "Requiring Substantial Support"
Level 2 autism needs significant support. Challenges in daily life are clear. This includes problems with speaking and adapting to change.
Characteristics of Level 2 Autism
Social Communication
- Major trouble with verbal and nonverbal communication
- Rarely starts social interactions
- Reduced response to others
- May speak in simple sentences only
- Talks mostly about special interests
Behavior Patterns
- Inflexible behavior interferes with life
- Hard time coping with change
- Repetitive behaviors are obvious to others
- Upset when interrupted from special interests
- Needs help in many settings
Support Needs at Level 2
Individuals with Level 2 autism typically benefit from:
- Regular therapy sessions (including ABA therapy)
- Speech and language therapy
- Occupational therapy for daily living skills
- Structured educational environments
- Visual supports and schedules
- Support with transitions and changes
Level 3 Autism: "Requiring Very Substantial Support"
Level 3 autism requires the most support. Individuals face severe challenges in communication and flexibility. This greatly impacts daily life.
Characteristics of Level 3 Autism
Social Communication
- Severe deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication
- Very limited speech or nonverbal communication
- Minimal response to social overtures from others
- May be minimally verbal or nonverbal
- Very limited initiation of social interaction
Behavior Patterns
- Extreme difficulty coping with change
- Great distress when routines are interrupted
- Repetitive behaviors markedly interfere with all areas
- Very difficult to redirect from fixed interests
- May engage in self-injurious behaviors
Support Needs at Level 3
Individuals with Level 3 autism typically require:
- Intensive, one-on-one support throughout the day
- Comprehensive early intervention programs
- Alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) systems
- Highly structured environments with minimal changes
- Specialized educational settings
- Support with all activities of daily living
- Intensive behavioral intervention
Comparison of Autism Levels
| Aspect | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Support Needed | Some support | Substantial support | Very substantial support |
| Communication | Verbal, some difficulties with social nuances | Limited verbal/nonverbal, marked deficits | Minimal verbal, severe deficits |
| Social Interaction | Difficulty initiating, appears awkward | Limited initiation even with support | Very limited response to others |
| Behavioral Flexibility | Some rigidity, difficulty with transitions | Significant inflexibility, obvious to others | Extreme inflexibility, great distress with change |
| Independence | Often can live independently | May need supported living | Requires significant daily support |
Can Autism Levels Change Over Time?
Yes, autism levels can change. This often happens with proper intervention. Research shows early intervention improves outcomes.
Factors that can influence changes in support needs include:
- Early intervention: Children who receive early, intensive intervention often show significant improvements
- Type of therapy: Evidence-based approaches like ABA therapy have strong research support
- Individual development: Some skills naturally develop over time
- Environmental support: Appropriate accommodations can reduce the impact of challenges
- Life transitions: Support needs may increase during stressful periods
How ABA Therapy Helps at Every Level
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the gold standard treatment for autism. Decades of research support its effectiveness. ABA therapy can help individuals at all three levels:
For Level 1
- Social skills development
- Conversation skills training
- Executive functioning support
- Anxiety management strategies
- Self-advocacy skills
For Level 2
- Communication skill building
- Daily living skills training
- Behavior management
- Transition support
- Academic skill development
For Level 3
- Alternative communication
- Intensive skill building
- Reducing challenging behaviors
- Safety skills
- Self-care independence
Start Your Child's Journey Today
Buzz ABA provides comprehensive, evidence-based ABA therapy in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, and surrounding NH communities. Learn about early intervention benefits or explore our free parent resources.
Start Your JourneyFrequently Asked Questions
What are the three levels of autism?
The DSM-5 defines three autism levels based on support needs.
Level 1 means requiring support.
Level 2 means requiring substantial support.
Level 3 means requiring very substantial support.
These levels help describe how autism affects daily life.
What is Level 1 autism?
Level 1 autism describes individuals who require some support.
It was previously called high-functioning autism or Asperger's syndrome.
Individuals may have difficulty initiating social interactions and show inflexible behavior.
They might also struggle with organization and planning.
However, they can often communicate verbally and function independently in many areas.
What is Level 2 autism?
Level 2 autism describes individuals requiring substantial support.
They show marked deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication.
Social interaction is limited even with support.
They often exhibit inflexible behavior and difficulty coping with change.
Restricted or repetitive behaviors are usually obvious to casual observers.
What is Level 3 autism?
Level 3 autism describes individuals requiring very substantial support.
They have severe deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication.
Social interaction is very limited.
They often have extreme difficulty coping with change.
Restricted or repetitive behaviors markedly interfere with functioning in all areas.
Can autism levels change over time?
Yes, autism levels can change over time.
This often happens with proper support like ABA therapy.
Many people who get early help develop new skills.
This can reduce their support needs.
Autism is a lifelong condition.
Support needs may also increase during tough life changes.
Related Resources
High-Functioning Autism Guide
Understanding Level 1 autism characteristics and support.
Asperger's Syndrome Guide
History, modern perspectives, and relationship to ASD levels.
Autism Signs & Symptoms Guide
Learn to recognize the signs at every age.
Autism Diagnosis Guide
Complete guide to the evaluation process.
Types of Autism Therapy
Complete guide to treatment options by support level.
Benefits of Early Intervention
Why starting early is crucial for all levels.