Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that impacts everyone differently. Some may need very little assistance in everyday functioning, while others may need more assistance with communication, learning, and everyday tasks. As autism is a spectrum, each person’s experience can be different.
A common question that parents and caregivers ask is, “Is Level 2 Autism considered High Functioning?” The answer to this isn’t simple, because the terminology used to refer to autism has evolved over the years.
Understanding Level 2 autism can help families to better understand the support that may be required.
What is Level 2 Autism?
Level 2 Autism refers to the level of autism in which a person has significant difficulties with social communication and daily functioning that require a great deal of assistance from others. Individuals at this level may struggle with initiating or sustaining interactions, comprehending social cues, changing routines, and even expressing their needs clearly. They might also be exhibiting repetitive behaviors, preferences for sameness, sensory sensitivities, and require assistance with activities, learning, work, or interpersonal relationships. Levels of and types of support required vary from individual to individual, and many people with Level 2 autism have individual strengths, interests, talents, and communication styles.
Autism can be subdivided into three levels of support:
- Level 1: Requiring support
- Level 2: Requires significant assistance.
- Level 3: Highly supportive level
Someone who has Level 2 autism typically requires more noticeable assistance in communication, behavior, and daily functioning than a person with Level 1 autism.
Common Challenges Related to Level 2 Autism
People with Level 2 autism have challenges with:
- Social communication challenges: They may not be able to engage in or respond to conversation, or may not know how to read social cues or make relationships.
- Struggle with changes: Unexpected changes in routine and/or environment may cause significant distress.
- Repetitive behaviors: They might make repetitive movements, interests, or activities that disrupt everyday activities.
- Sensory differences: They can be very sensitive to textures, lights, sounds, or other sensations, or they can be under-sensitive.
- Daily support needed: May require help with school, work, self-care, organization, or coping with new situations.
If left unaddressed, these challenges can affect school, work, and relationships.
What Does “High-Functioning” Mean?
“High-functioning autism” is not an official term used to describe any type of autism. It is an older term that is still used today to describe autistic people who can speak, learn, and live semi-independently.
Many professionals, however, do not like to use terms such as “high functioning” or “low functioning” as these terms can’t describe a person’s strengths and struggles.
For example, a person with a good level of independence can also have anxiety, communication problems, sensory overload, or difficulties with daily living.
People with autism are different, and naming the stage doesn’t always tell the whole story.
Is Level 2 Autism Usually Considered High-Functioning?
The term high functioning is not commonly used for Level 2 autism, as these people will generally need deeper support.
Someone with a level 2 autism might:
- Find conversations difficult
- Have issues with social interactions and situations
- Overstimulated by senses
- Need support in routines and transitions
- Have repetitive behaviors
But that doesn’t mean they can’t learn, communicate, or be independent in many aspects of life. There are people with Level 2 autism who have strong academic or creative skills or an excellent memory but require social and emotional support.
Each autistic person is unique, with their own strengths and needs.
Why Autism Looks Different in Every Person?
Not everybody is impacted by autism the same way. Two individuals who have a similar level of autism can have completely different abilities and challenges.
For example:
- One person can be a fluent speaker and have difficulties in social interaction
- Others may have difficulty speaking, but great problem-solving abilities
- One may have difficulties with emotions
- Some individuals may have sensory sensitivities
That’s why it’s not always a good idea to just look at the labels and names of problems. Most important is understanding the individual’s actual needs.
Support Can Make a Big Difference
Structured environments and supportive therapies are very helpful for children and adults with Level 2 autism.
Support may include:
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
- ABA therapy
- Social skills training
- Educational support
With the passage of time, many people with Level 2 autism can continue to acquire the important life skills they need with direction and support.
Everyone progresses at their own rate, and progress can be slow. But you will see the results with proper care and consistency in therapy sessions.
Focusing on Strengths Matters Too
Autism can present problems, but many autistic people also have abilities to be recognized. They can have such abilities that act as a strength to deal with their autism, and they can have a speedy recovery.
Some people with Level 2 autism are experts in areas such as:
- Art and creativity
- Technology
- Music
- Memory skills
- Attention to detail
Assisting with strengths and difficulties helps to develop confidence and independence.
Final Thoughts
The level 2 autism is not considered to be high functioning, as people with this level of autism may require a lot of assistance in the communication, behavior, and daily living domains. But autism varies person to person, and no label can perfectly capture a person or his or her abilities or potential.
The focus is not only on keeping the labels active as functioning labels, but also on being aware of the person’s strengths, challenges, and support needs. While many people with Level 2 Autism have a strong need for ABA therapy support, with appropriate care, therapy, and understanding, they can thrive, continue to learn, grow, and lead a full life.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can someone with Level 2 autism live independently?
Some people with Level 2 autism may develop independence in many areas of life, but many need ongoing support with communication, daily routines, social situations, or decision-making.
2. Why is Level 2 autism not usually called high-functioning?
Level 2 autism is not usually considered high-functioning because individuals often require strong support. The term “high-functioning” is also outdated because it does not fully describe a person’s strengths and challenges.
3. Can a person with Level 2 autism have strong skills or talents?
Yes. A person with Level 2 autism may have strengths in areas such as memory, creativity, technology, music, academics, or attention to detail while still needing support in other areas.
4. Does Level 2 autism affect intelligence or learning ability?
No. Autism level describes the amount of support a person needs, not their intelligence. People with Level 2 autism can have a wide range of learning abilities and strengths.
5. Can Level 2 autism symptoms improve over time?
With appropriate support, therapy, education, and a structured environment, many people with Level 2 autism can develop new skills and improve their ability to manage daily activities. However, autism itself is a lifelong condition.
