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What are Autism Severity Levels?

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Summary

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Autism Severity Levels help us understand how much help someone with autism might need. Level 1 means needing support, like help making friends or sticking to routines. Level 2 means needing more support, like learning new things or dealing with changes. Level 3 means needing a lot of support, like help with talking or doing daily tasks. Remember, these levels can change over time, and everyone with autism is unique and has their own special talents and abilities.

Table of Contents

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Frequently Asked Question

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How are autism severity levels determined?

Autism severity levels are determined through comprehensive assessments conducted by healthcare professionals who evaluate an individual’s social communication skills, repetitive behaviors, sensory sensitivities, and the level of support needed for daily activities.

Can autism severity levels change over time?

Yes, autism severity levels can change over time as individuals grow, develop new skills, and receive appropriate interventions and support. Ongoing evaluations and assessments help track progress and adjust support accordingly.

Are autism severity levels the same for every individual with autism?

No, autism severity levels vary from person to person. Each individual with autism has their own unique set of strengths, challenges, and support needs, and their severity level is determined based on their specific characteristics and assessments.

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Scientific Definition

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Autism Severity Levels are a framework used to understand the varying challenges individuals with autism face daily. It recognizes autism as a spectrum and acknowledges that people have different abilities and support needs. Based on the DSM-5, the levels are as follows: Level 1, “Requiring Support,” where individuals need assistance with social interactions, communication, and routine flexibility but can achieve independence with support; Level 2, “Requiring Substantial Support,” characterized by the need for more significant help with social situations, communication, and managing routine changes, with additional support improving their quality of life; Level 3, “Requiring Very Substantial Support,” representing individuals facing severe impairments in social communication, restrictive interests, and repetitive behaviors, requiring extensive support and specialized interventions. It’s important to note that these levels are not fixed and can change as individuals grow, develop new skills, and receive appropriate interventions. They serve as a guide to understanding the level of assistance someone may require while recognizing their unique strengths and potential.

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Real World Example of Autism Severity Levels

Meet Susie, a spirited 7-year-old with autism. Her parents navigate autism severity levels to understand her support needs. Here’s how it unfolds:

  1. Level 1: Susie needs some support, especially in social interactions. Her parents collaborate with teachers to enhance her social skills and foster connections with classmates. Visual schedules and consistent routines at home provide security.
  2. Progression to Level 2: Susie’s support needs increase as she grows. Her parents seek occupational therapy for sensory sensitivities and collaborate with the school on a personalized education plan. They address her strengths and challenges.
  3. Tailored interventions: Social skills groups and visual aids like social stories help Susie interact with peers and understand routines. These interventions, along with her parents’ unwavering support, lead to progress and independence.
  4. Dynamic nature: Autism severity levels change. Susie’s level may evolve as she grows, acquires new skills, and receives targeted interventions. Regular communication with healthcare professionals allows adjustments to meet her changing needs.

Susie’s story illustrates the impact of severity levels on her development. Understanding support needs empowers parents to make informed decisions for their child’s growth and well-being.

How Do Autism Severity Levels Work?

Autism Severity Levels help parents understand and provide appropriate support for their child on the autism spectrum. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Diagnostic process: Healthcare professionals conduct assessments considering factors like social communication, repetitive behaviors, and support needed for daily activities.
  2. Criteria and observations: Professionals use the DSM-5 criteria and gather information through observations, interviews, and assessments.
  3. Communication of severity levels: Professionals share the severity level with parents, guiding them on support and interventions.
  4. Individualized approach: Every individual with autism is unique, so personalized strategies based on strengths, challenges, and needs are crucial.
  5. Dynamic nature: Severity levels can change over time as individuals progress and acquire new skills with interventions and support.

Understanding autism severity levels empowers parents to advocate for tailored programs, therapies, and resources that promote their child’s growth, independence, and overall well-being. Goally, a tablet with apps for visual schedules, AAC, gamified learning, and social skills training, aids children with different autism severity levels in building essential life and language skills, improving emotional regulation, executive functioning, and fostering independence.

 

This post was originally published on May 24, 2023. It was updated on July 14, 2023.

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