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What level of ASD does my child have?
The first thing you need to know is that the levels of ASD aren’t about putting children into a box. They help professionals and families better understand how much support a person with autism may need in daily life, and how to build the right plan for growth.
According to the DSM-5, clinicians use three categories based on support needs: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. You’ll also hear them described as autism severity levels, though they’re not a judgment of intelligence or potential. They’re simply a guide for support.
And here’s the most crucial part: support can change lives.
If you’re a parent wondering what your child’s diagnosis really means, you’re not alone. In this blog by ABA Centers of Delaware, we’ll walk through the levels of ASD, what each level may look like, and how ABA Therapy can support individuals on the spectrum in gaining confidence, communication skills, and independence.
Why We No Longer Use “Types” of Autism
Years ago, experts used to diagnose autism using labels like Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD-NOS, or “classic autism.” But those labels weren’t always consistent, and many children didn’t neatly fit into one category.
That’s why the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) shifted toward a single diagnosis: Autism Spectrum Disorder, with levels of ASD based on support needs rather than “types.” Autism Speaks explains that these levels of ASD better reflect the wide range of strengths and challenges that people with autism may experience.
So instead of asking, “What type of autism is this?” clinicians are now more likely to ask:
- How does this person communicate?
- How flexible are they with changes?
- What kind of support helps them succeed?
The shift is more practical and often more empowering.
First Things First: What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism, as a developmental condition, is called a spectrum because no two individuals experience it the same way.
One child may speak fluently but struggle with social nuance. Another may need more substantial support with communication or daily routines. This relativity is why the concept of autism severity levels exists: because support needs can look very different from one person to another.
The CDC emphasizes that ASD can be diagnosed through behavioral evaluation and developmental monitoring, and that signs may appear in early childhood. Diagnosis is based on how a child develops and how they behave, not through one single medical test.
How the DSM-5 Defines Levels of ASD
The DSM-5 defines the levels of ASD based on support needs in two core areas:
- Social Communication and Interaction
- Restricted or Repetitive Patterns of Behavior
Research highlights that a child may have more difficulty in one area than another, which is why support plans must be individualized even within the same autism severity levels.
The three levels of ASD are:
- Level 1: Requiring Support
- Level 2: Requiring Substantial Support
- Level 3: Requiring Very Substantial Support
Let’s break the autism severity levels down with real-life examples that feel familiar to families.
Levels of ASD Explained
Autism Level 1: Requiring Support
Autism level 1 is the mildest category in the levels of ASD, but that doesn’t mean life is easy. A child at Level 1 may speak fluently and do well academically, but still needs support with social interactions, flexibility, or executive functioning.
Social Communication Differences
Children with autism level 1 may:
- Have difficulties interpreting facial expressions or tone of voice
- Struggle with back-and-forth conversation
- Misread social rules
- Feel overwhelmed in group settings
Sometimes these children want friendship, but don’t always know how to maintain it. This challenge can lead to loneliness or frustration, especially as they grow older.
Behavior Patterns and Flexibility
Children at autism level 1 may also:
- Rely heavily on routines
- Get upset by minor changes
- Have intense interests
- Need help organizing tasks or transitions
They might seem independent on the outside, but inside, daily life can be exhausting without the proper support. ABA Therapy can be incredibly helpful, supporting communication skills, coping strategies, flexibility, and confidence in social settings.
Autism Level 2: Requiring Substantial Support
An individual with autism level 2 needs more noticeable support across daily settings.
Children in autism level 2 may communicate verbally, but may struggle with conversational skills, emotional regulation, and adapting to change.
Communication Challenges
Children with level 2 autism severity levels may:
- Use short phrases or limited verbal language
- Find conversation difficult without prompts
- Have trouble understanding nonverbal cues like gestures or facial expressions
- Struggle with expressive communication when upset
Even when children can speak, communication may break down when emotions are high, which can lead to behaviors that look like defiance, but often reflect unmet needs.
Routine and Behavioral Challenges
Children at autism level 2 may:
- Become distressed by changes in schedule
- Have difficulty shifting between activities
- Repeat movements or phrases
- Need help managing sensory sensitivity
Support needs are often more consistent at this level, and interventions should be structured and predictable. In this scenario, ABA therapy can help by building functional communication, supporting emotional regulation, and teaching coping skills for transitions and daily routines.
Autism Level 3: Requiring Very Substantial Support
Autism level 3, also known as profound autism, represents the most intensive category within the levels of ASD, meaning a person may require significant support across communication, daily living skills, and safety.
Many children with autism level 3 may be minimally verbal or nonverbal, though they still communicate in meaningful ways.
Communication and Interaction
Children at this level may:
- Use limited words or no spoken language
- Communicate through gestures, AAC devices, picture systems, or behavior
- Prefer solitary play or struggle with shared attention
- Need support initiating or responding to social interaction
Overall, autism level 3 support needs are high because both communication and repetitive behaviors can significantly impact daily functioning.
Daily Living and Safety Needs
A child may need help with:
- Dressing
- Feeding
- Hygiene
- Safety awareness
- Managing sensory needs
Some children may engage in behaviors that seem alarming, such as self-injury, elopement (wandering), or aggressive outbursts. These behaviors are often expressions of distress, unmet needs, sensory overload, or difficulty communicating.
With compassionate care and consistency, ABA therapy can help identify the reason behind behaviors and teach safer ways to communicate, self-regulate, and function independently.
Can Levels of ASD Change Over Time?
Yes. Levels of ASD can shift. Because they reflect support needs, not permanent traits, children can change levels as:
- Communication improves
- Coping skills develop
- Therapy supports independence
- Environments become more accessible
That’s one of the reasons why experts recommend early intervention with ABA Therapy, because it can help reduce support needs over time by building skills that last.
The CDC also emphasizes that early identification and intervention make a meaningful difference in long-term outcomes.
How ABA Therapy Helps Across Autism Severity Levels
No matter which category your child falls under in the levels of ASD, every child can learn, grow, and thrive in their own way. The path may look different, but progress is possible.
ABA therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis) is widely recognized as an evidence-based approach for helping children with autism build skills across:
- Communication
- Social development
- Play skills
- Emotional regulation
- Daily living routines
- Independence and confidence
One of the greatest misconceptions is that ABA is about forcing children to “act typical.” In reality, modern ABA therapy works on building functional skills and supporting quality of life—so children can navigate the world with confidence. So, rather than focusing on what a child can’t do, ABA therapy focuses on what they can learn next.
- Express needs safely
- Build meaningful routines
- Increase independence
- Reduce distress and overwhelm
- Strengthen family relationships
ABA Centers of Delaware: Personalized and Comprehensive ABA Care
At ABA Centers of Delaware, we serve families who want more than a diagnosis; they want a plan. Understanding autism severity levels can help you make informed choices, but it can still feel overwhelming to figure out what’s best for your child.
That’s why we offer support that is Individualized, data-driven, compassionate, and designed around long-term success.
Whether your child is on level 1, level 2, or level 3 in the levels of ASD, our approach to ABA Therapy is built around one goal: Helping your child thrive with confidence and independence.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
ABA Centers of Delaware is here to help you understand your child’s needs and explore the best options for care. Schedule a free consultation with us by clicking here or by calling us at (844) 855-8517 to learn more about ABA therapy and find the right support plan for your child.
