What Are the Levels of Autism?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAutism Exists on a SpectrumLevel OneLevel TwoLevel ThreeResources

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Autism Exists on a Spectrum

Level One

Level Two

Level Three

Resources

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Language note: Although individual preferences exist, surveys of the autistic community consistently show that autistic people preferidentity-first languagerather than person-first language (i.e., “autistic person” rather than “person with autism”). This article reflects that community language preference.

TheDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), states that autism is a spectrum. This means that individuals have different support needs and strengths.

Many providers describe autistic people as “high functioning” or “low functioning,” but these terms are generally considered inaccurate because an individual can seem high functioning in one area but struggle in others. Additionally, someone who was previously higher functioning might struggle due to increased stressors or burnout.

Typically, autistic people talk about levels ofsupport needsin various areas, as this reflects what the individual needs in order to have their best life rather than how their “functioning” impacts the people around them. Although limited, the levels associated with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can help with understanding the individual’s needs and how to best support them.

When someone isdiagnosedwith autism, the provider who conducted the evaluation will often provide information about their level in order to inform treatment plans and needed areas of support.

What Is Autism?

The diagnostic criteriafor the levels of autism include social differences and behaviors but do not specify sensory needs and differences. The levels also do not require specific developmental delays in early childhood or cognitive abilities.

A person’s support needs level might vary, and so determining an individual’s “level” can be tricky. An autistic person might have Level One behavioral symptoms but Level Two social communication symptoms.

In addition, those experiencing burnout might experience higher support needs than they previously required. Once appropriate supports are in place, symptoms may become less evident.

Autism Level One

The DSM-5 refers to those withLevel Onesymptoms as “requiring support” in both thesocial communicationdomain and the restricted, repetitive behaviors domain.

Autistic people with Level One communication skills can typically engage in verbal communication and speak in full sentences. Level One symptoms in the social communication domain include:

Autistic people with Level One behavioral symptoms may function independently but have some difficulty related to their symptoms. These symptoms manifest as:

Understanding Mild Autism

Autism Level Two

Level Two autism symptoms manifest as “requiring substantial support” per the DSM-5. Symptoms typically cause more difficulties and require greater support than Level One but are not as debilitating as Level Three.

Level Two social communication symptoms manifest as the following:

Level Two behavioral symptoms include:

How to Get Better at Coping With Change

Autism Level Three

The DSM-5 indicates that autistic individuals with Level Three symptoms are those with symptoms that are “requiring very substantialsupport,” impairment, and high support needs.

Social communication differences seen in autistic individuals with aLevel Three diagnosisinclude:

Behavioral symptoms seen in autistic people with Level Three symptoms include:

Getting Support for Autism

For more information about autism, see theAutistic Self-Advocacy Network, theAutistic Women & Nonbinary Network, and theAsperger/Autism Network.

More Women Are Getting Diagnosed With Autism Than Ever Before

3 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Rosen NE, Lord C, Volkmar FR.The diagnosis of autism: From Kanner to DSM-III to DSM-5 and beyond.J Autism Dev Disord. 2021;51(12):4253-4270. doi:10.1007/s10803-021-04904-1American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. American Psychiatric Publishing.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.5th ed, text revision. American Psychiatric Publishing.

3 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Rosen NE, Lord C, Volkmar FR.The diagnosis of autism: From Kanner to DSM-III to DSM-5 and beyond.J Autism Dev Disord. 2021;51(12):4253-4270. doi:10.1007/s10803-021-04904-1American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. American Psychiatric Publishing.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.5th ed, text revision. American Psychiatric Publishing.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Rosen NE, Lord C, Volkmar FR.The diagnosis of autism: From Kanner to DSM-III to DSM-5 and beyond.J Autism Dev Disord. 2021;51(12):4253-4270. doi:10.1007/s10803-021-04904-1American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. American Psychiatric Publishing.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.5th ed, text revision. American Psychiatric Publishing.

Rosen NE, Lord C, Volkmar FR.The diagnosis of autism: From Kanner to DSM-III to DSM-5 and beyond.J Autism Dev Disord. 2021;51(12):4253-4270. doi:10.1007/s10803-021-04904-1

American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. American Psychiatric Publishing.

American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.5th ed, text revision. American Psychiatric Publishing.

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