What are the Different Levels of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism is a spectrum, and every person with autism is different and unique. It is often said, “if you know one person with autism, you know one person with autism.” Autism does not always present the same way, even within families, and a person with autism will have different signs and traits than others with autism. Oftentimes, these signs are not recognized until adulthood.
People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are diagnosed with having either ASD Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3, depending on their symptom severity how much support is needed in daily life.
The levels range from least to most severe, with ASD Level 1 describing an individual who has the least severe level of ASD symptoms, and ASD Level 3 describing someone with symptoms on the more severe end of the spectrum.
ASD Level 1 – Level 1 ASD is currently the lowest classification. Those on this level will require some support to help with issues like inhibited social interaction and lack of organization and planning skills. People who have ASD Level 1, may often be referred to as having “high-functioning autism” or be “high-functioning”. A person who would have previously been diagnosed with Asperger’s Disorder would now be diagnosed as ASD Level 1.
ASD Level 2 – In the mid-range of ASD is Level 2. In this level, individuals require substantial support and have problems that are more readily obvious to others. These issues may be trouble with verbal communication, having very restricted interests, and exhibiting frequent, repetitive behaviors.
ASD Level 3 – On the most severe end of the spectrum is Level 3 which requires very substantial support. Signs associated with both Level 1 and Level 2 are still present but are far more severe and accompanied by other complications as well. Individuals at this level will have limited ability to communicate and interact socially with others.
Please keep in mind that while ASD levels are useful for diagnosing autism severity and support needs, the categories don't give a full picture of the strengths and limitations of each level.
What are Signs of Autism Level 1?
People with high functioning autism may have developed a series of coping mechanisms and compensatory strategies over time that help to “mask” the signs of autism, which can make it more difficult to determine autism severity. These individuals, especially if they were not diagnosed as children, may not realize that they have autism and see their ASD behaviors and coping mechanisms in daily life as normal.
It is important to remember that one individual will not exhibit every single one of these traits, and the degree to which these traits are exhibited will differ from person to person. Autism can look slightly different in a child than in an adult who may have learned how to adapt their behaviors. In addition, the signs of autism can differ widely in women and girls versus men and boys.
There is Hope For You
Here at the Thriving Wellness Center, we are Autism and Asperger specialists in New York and New Jersey who perform thorough and accurate Autism evaluations in New York and New Jersey and virtual Autism assessments and therapy. If you are newly diagnosed with Autism or interested in getting a diagnosis in New York, New Jersey, or virtually please contact us to see how we can help you improve your life.
