AUTISM LEVEL 2: Diagnosis, Characteristics, and Therapy
Autism level 2 is the intermediate level within the categorization of autism into three levels.
Autism is divided into three levels based on the severity of symptoms and the supports that the individual requires to function in their daily life.
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⬇️Scroll down to know WHAT IS AUTISM LEVEL 2⬇️
Therefore, when referring to levels of autism, we are talking about the following:
- Autism level 1 (mild)
- Autism level 2 (moderate)
- Autism level 3 (severe)
However, this categorization is not so simple and it is necessary to explain it in much more detail to clarify what the levels of autism really are.
💥 The 3 levels of autism
The categorization of autism into three levels was implemented in 2013 with the publication of the DSM-5 (the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
The three levels of autism are classified based on the severity of autism symptoms and the amount of support the person needs for their daily development.
BUT BEWARE! Technically, there is no autism level 1, 2, or 3.
The severity level is not attributed to autism in general, but rather to the three main areas affected by autism, which are Communication, Social Interaction, and Cognitive Rigidity.
Therefore, technically a person with autism can have lvl 1 autism in communication, lvl 2 in social interaction, and lvl 3 in cognitive rigidity, depending on the difficulties they present in each of these three areas.
However, even though it is not clinically correct to speak of autism level 1, 2, or 3, colloquially we do so to summarize and give an idea of the severity of the person’s autism.
| Level 1 | Needs support |
| Level 2 | Needs substantial support |
| Level 3 | Needs very substantial support |
As we can see in the previous table, we colloquially classify autism into three levels based on whether it is considered to need some help, notable help, or very notable help in their daily development.
Why divide autism into three levels?
Autism is a condition that can manifest in many different ways, which is why it is classified into three distinct levels.
It was decided to divide it into three levels so that in the diagnosis, the severity of the three main areas affected by autism could be more accurately specified.
In fact, autism can manifest in such diverse ways that in some cases it will be considered mild autism, and in other cases, severe autism with intellectual disability.
There are no levels of autism: there are levels in each area of autism
Although colloquially, we talk about a child with ASD of level 1, level 2, or level 3, technically, the levels are attributed to communication, social interaction, and cognitive rigidity.
But often, to make it simpler, instead of specifying the specific level of these three areas, we say a general level of the person’s autism, depending on whether they need a lot or a little help for their daily development.
Therefore, although it may not be entirely correct clinically, we will now explain what we colloquially understand as autism 2.
⚡ AUTISM LEVEL 2
Autism level 2 is the intermediate severity level of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Although the severity levels are attributed to the core areas of autism (Communication, Social Interaction, and Cognitive Rigidity), autism is colloquially also referred to as lvl 1, lvl 2, or lvl 3.
Colloquially, we talk about autism levels to get an idea of the severity of a person’s autism.
Next, we will define what we colloquially know as AUTISM LEVEL 2 through the following sections:
Definition of Autism Level 2
Autism level 2 is the intermediate severity level of autism, also known as moderate autism.
It is considered that people with autism lvl 2 need notable help for their daily development.
This help for daily development is necessary both in the area of communication and social interaction, as well as in the area of cognitive rigidity.
The characteristics of people with autism lvl 2 (or moderate autism) in the areas of communication and social interaction, and cognitive rigidity according to the DSM-5 are as follows:
- Communication and Social Interaction in Autism Lvl 2 according to DSM-5
- Cognitive Rigidity in Autism Lvl 2 according to DSM-5
Communication and Social Interaction in Autism Level 2
According to the DSM-5, people with autism level 2 present the following characteristics in the area of communication and social interaction:
“Notable deficiencies in verbal and nonverbal social communication skills; apparent social problems even with in-person support; limited initiation of social interactions; and reduced or abnormal responses to others’ social opening. For example, a person who emits simple phrases, whose interaction is limited to very concrete special interests, and who has very eccentric nonverbal communication.”
Cognitive Rigidity in Autism Level 2
According to the DSM-5, people with autism 2 present the following characteristics in the area of cognitive rigidity:
“Inflexibility of behavior, difficulty coping with changes, or other restricted/repetitive behaviors are often clearly evident to the casual observer and interfere with functioning in various contexts. Anxiety and/or difficulty shifting focus of action.”
Diagnosis of Autism Level 2
The diagnosis of Autism Level 2 follows the same process as the diagnosis of Autism Level 1 or Level 3.
This means that when warning signs are detected, validated tests and assessments for autism diagnosis should be applied.
The most commonly used and validated tests for autism diagnosis are the ADOS-2, ADI-R, or M-CHAT-R.
The specific tests applied will be determined based on the age and unique characteristics of the person being evaluated.
The results of these tests will provide us with information that, together with all the other information collected by the clinician conducting the evaluation, will allow us to determine whether or not autism is present.
Once it has been confirmed whether or not autism is present, the clinician will determine the severity level of the autism.
The severity level will be designated according to the criteria established in the diagnostic manual DSM-5.
Characteristics of Autism Level 2
According to the DSM-5 criteria, individuals with Autism Level 2 exhibit the following characteristics:
- Limited social initiation
- Difficulties in relating to others even with the assistance of an adult
- Limited response to social interactions initiated by others
- “Odd” or peculiar verbal or nonverbal communication
- Difficulties in changing the way they do things
- Engage in repetitive behaviors that interfere with daily life
- Difficulty shifting attention away from a specific focus of interest
All of these difficulties require the intervention and participation of an adult to prevent them from interfering with the individual’s development in daily activities.
🤔 Can someone move from one autism level to another?
The level of a person with autism can vary over time, both up and down.
Therefore, a person with autism 2 may, in the future, move to level 1 or level 3.
People with autism may need different levels of support for their daily development over time, whether because their development is positive or negative.
Thus, if the level of support the person needs changes, the level of autism attributed to them will also change, moving to 1 if they need less help or to 3 if they need more.
🔵 CONCLUSION
In summary, Autism Level 2 represents the intermediate severity level within the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), requiring notable support for daily development in the areas of communication, social interaction, and cognitive rigidity.
As outlined in the DSM-5 criteria, individuals at this level exhibit significant challenges in verbal and nonverbal social communication, limited social initiation, and cognitive inflexibility.
The diagnosis of Autism Level 2 follows a thorough evaluation process using validated tests such as ADOS-2, ADI-R, or M-CHAT-R.
It’s crucial to recognize that the classification into three levels (Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3) serves as a general framework for understanding the severity of autism, though technically attributed to the specific areas affected by autism.
While colloquially useful, the levels should be interpreted with consideration for the diverse manifestations of autism, emphasizing the need for individualized support.
Moreover, it’s important to note that a person’s autism level may change over time, influenced by positive or negative developments in their daily life.
Thus, ongoing assessments and adjustments in support levels are essential, with individuals potentially transitioning between Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 based on their evolving needs.
This dynamic nature reinforces the importance of personalized interventions to facilitate optimal development and well-being for individuals with Autism Level 2 and beyond.
❓ FAQS about AUTISM LEVEL 2
What is autism 2?
Autism 2 (or moderate autism) is the intermediate level of autism severity. Although autism lvls are attributed to each area of autism impairment, colloquially autism is also referred to globally. Level 2 autism is where people who require notable help for their daily development are situated.
How to treat a child with autism 2?
The guidelines for treating a child with autism severity 2 are the same as for other people with ASD:
- Adapt our language to their comprehension abilities
- Use visual supports
Provide a clear, structured and understandable routine - Anticipate changes and transitions
- Encourage through qualified professionals
What is the most severe type of autism?
The most severe autism is autism lvl 3 according to the DSM-5 classification. People with this autism severity require very notable help for their daily development.
📚 Bibliography about autism leve 2
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