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The 3 Levels of Autism Explained. Support Level and Treatments

levels of autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. ASD is a spectrum disorder because the symptoms and severity can vary widely from one person to another. In 2013, the DSM-5 was released, which changed the way that autism is classified. Previously, there were five types of autism, but now all types are called autism spectrum disorders. Every individual with ASD is diagnosed with a level of support they require, depending on the severity of the disorder. In this article, we will discuss the three levels of autism and the available treatments for each level.

Understanding the Three Levels of Autism

The three levels of autism are based on the level of support each individual diagnosed with ASD needs. The DSM-5 no longer uses these levels of autism and instead uses the term “level of support” to describe an individual’s support needs. However, understanding the three levels of autism can help people comprehend the severity of autism and the level of support that an individual may need.

Level 1 (Requiring Support): This level describes individuals who require some support to function in social situations. They may have difficulty with social interactions, struggle to initiate or maintain conversations, and may have difficulty with nonverbal communication. They may also have restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior, but these do not significantly impact their daily life. Children with level 1 ASD have a mild form of autism and may have trouble engaging in back-and-forth conversations with others. They may try to make friends, but not be very successful. Additionally, they may have problems with organization and planning, which may prevent them from being as independent as other people their age.

Level 2 (Requiring Substantial Support): This level describes individuals who require substantial support to function in social situations. They may have more significant challenges with social interactions, struggle to understand social cues or sarcasm, and may have difficulty expressing their own emotions. Also, they may have more severe restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior that significantly impact their daily life. Children with level 2 ASD tend to have very narrow interests and engage in repetitive behaviors that can make it difficult for them to function in certain situations. A person diagnosed with ASD level 2 tends to speak in simple sentences and also struggles with nonverbal forms of communication.

Level 3 (Requiring Very Substantial Support): This level describes individuals who require very substantial support to function in social situations. They may have severe challenges with social interactions, struggle to communicate verbally or nonverbally, and may have limited interests or activities. They may also have intense restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior that significantly impact their daily life, such as self-injurious behavior or aggression. Level 3 is the most severe form of the three levels of  autism, and children in this category will have many of the same behaviors as those with levels 1 and 2, but to a more extreme degree.

Available Treatments for Autism

Now that we understand the three levels of autism, let’s talk about the available treatments for each level.

Level 1 Treatments: Therapies that can be applied to individuals with level 1 ASD include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to improve social skills, behavior, and communication. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be applied to address anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Speech therapy can be used to improve language and communication skills. Lastly, Occupational therapy can improve sensory integration and daily living skills.

Level 2 Treatments: Intensive ABA therapy can be applied to improve social skills, behavior, and communication. Speech therapy can improve language and communication skills, and Occupational therapy can improve sensory integration and daily living skills. Social skills training can be used to improve social interaction and communication.

Level 3 Treatments: For individuals diagnosed with Level 3, which is the most severe form of autism, the available treatments are comprehensive and multifaceted. ABA therapy, or Applied Behavior Analysis, is considered the most effective and evidence-based therapy for individuals with autism. It involves a structured approach to improve social skills, behavior, and communication by breaking down skills into smaller, manageable steps.

Speech therapy is another important component of treatment for individuals with Level 3 autism, as it helps improve language and communication skills. Occupational therapy can also be beneficial in improving sensory integration and daily living skills, such as dressing, feeding, and toileting.

Behavioral interventions are also used to address challenging behaviors that can interfere with daily life, such as aggression, self-injury, and tantrums. These interventions are designed to identify triggers for the behaviors and provide strategies to manage them.

Medication can also be used to manage co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that can often be present in individuals with autism.

Finally, home-based services can provide support for families and caregivers in managing the individual’s needs. These services may include respite care, behavior support, and training on how to manage challenging behaviors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, autism treatment involves different therapies and interventions according to which of the three levels of autism an individual is at. Treatment plans should be tailored to the individual’s needs and strengths, and a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals should be involved in the treatment process. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, individuals from all the levels of autism can improve their social communication, behavior, and daily living skills and lead fulfilling lives. It is important to remember that every individuals of all the levels of autism are unique and require a personalized approach to treatment that takes into account their strengths, challenges, and individual needs.

Also read: 10 Early Signs of Autism

About Olga Sirbu

My name is Olga Sirbu, I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Applied Behavioral Analyst. My goal is to support and empower families and individuals on the autism spectrum.

Autism Advance is dedicated to training parents and caregivers, providing practical tips, and teaching individuals how to educate kids with autism.

I share evidence-based practices to help you better understand and support individuals with autism. Learn practical strategies to help individuals with autism reach their full potential, as well as gain a deeper understanding and acceptance of autism.

Thank you for considering Autism Advance as a resource for your autism journey.

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