Parent Press

a Goally Publication

Get

Goally

What are the Levels on the Autism Spectrum?

autism spectrum levels

Decoding the autism spectrum levels can be a powerful tool for parents of neurodivergent kids, empowering them to better understand and support their child’s unique needs. In this post, we’ll shed light on the three levels of the autism spectrum, explore their characteristics, and discuss how they impact daily life. We’ll also share practical strategies and resources, like Goally’s learning tablet, to help your child thrive in their own way. So, let’s embark on this informative journey together!

Breaking Down the Autism Spectrum Levels

The autism spectrum is vast, and each child’s experience is unique.

Professionals use three levels to classify autism, making it easier for parents and caregivers to navigate the world of neurodiversity:

  1. Level 1: Requiring Support
  2. Level 2: Requiring Substantial Support
  3. Level 3: Requiring Very Substantial Support

Now, let’s explore each level in detail and discuss how they affect kids with thinking and learning differences.

Level 1: Requiring Support

Children at this level may face challenges in social interactions and communication. They might struggle to initiate conversations, maintain friendships, or understand social cues. However, their cognitive and language skills are often on par with their peers. To help these kids, parents can provide social skills training, encourage participation in group activities, and teach coping strategies for managing emotions.

autism spectrum levels
Read more: What Does on the Spectrum Mean?

Goally’s learning tablet and apps can be a valuable resource for parents supporting kids at this level. With customizable features and engaging content, Goally can help children develop social skills, manage emotions, and stay organized.

Level 2: Requiring Substantial Support

Kids at this level have more pronounced challenges in social interactions and communication. They may have limited or repetitive speech, struggle to change their behavior in different settings and experience sensory sensitivities. To support these neurodivergent kids, parents can implement structured routines, utilize visual aids for communication, and explore sensory integration therapy.

Goally’s learning tablet can be beneficial for children at this level, as it offers visual schedules, customizable routines, and tools to help manage sensory sensitivities. By incorporating Goally into your child’s daily life, you can provide the structure and support they need to thrive.

Level 3: Requiring Very Substantial Support

Children at this level face significant difficulties in social interactions, communication, and behavior. They may have minimal verbal skills, engage in repetitive behaviors, and require assistance with daily living tasks. To help these kids, parents can seek intensive, individualized therapy, consider assistive technology for communication, and collaborate with a team of professionals for comprehensive support.

autism spectrum levels
Read more: Autism Spectrum Test Child

Goally’s learning tablet can be a powerful tool for children at this level, offering customizable features and assistive technology options to support communication and daily living skills. By integrating Goally into your child’s support system, you can help them reach their full potential.

Strategies for Supporting Your Child at Each Level

Regardless of the autism spectrum level, there are several strategies that can benefit all neurodivergent kids:

  1. Early intervention: The sooner you start addressing your child’s needs, the better the outcomes. Seek professional guidance and support as early as possible.
  2. Consistency: Establishing routines and maintaining consistency in expectations can help your child feel secure and more easily adapt to new situations.
  3. Collaboration: Work closely with your child’s teachers, therapists, and other professionals to ensure everyone is on the same page and working together to support your child’s growth.

By incorporating these strategies and utilizing tools like Goally’s learning tablet, you can provide the support your child needs to succeed.

An assortment of interactive video class thumbnails, including dental care and cooking, on the best tablet for kids by Goally.

Goally | Best Videos to Teach Life Skills

Give your kid an independent future. Goally has 100+ video classes teaching life skills like “How to Choose a Restaurant,” “How to Interrupt Politely,” and “How to Get Ready for School.”

Goally takes kids on an adventure that includes interactive practice and checkpoints along the way! No web browsers, YouTube, or social media.

Understanding Your Child’s Unique Needs

Remember, the autism spectrum levels are just a starting point for understanding your child’s needs. Each child is unique, and their abilities and challenges may not fit neatly into one category. It’s essential to focus on your child’s individual strengths and areas for growth rather than solely relying on their level classification.

By gaining a deeper understanding of your child’s autism spectrum level, you can better advocate for their needs and provide the proper support to help them thrive. Keep learning, stay connected with professionals, and celebrate your child’s progress every step of the way. With the right tools, like Goally’s learning tablet, and a supportive community, your child can achieve great things.

This post was originally published on 05/12/2023. It was updated on 11/07/2023.

Article by
Goally Logo
Goally

We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.