I heard that there are levels on autism, is that true?
Hi Lovely!
What a great question you have asked, and the simple answer to that is yes and no. So let me expand and explain a little more!
So the reason I say both yes and no is because there are only certain places in the world that use a level tier system in their diagnosis. But it’s definitely not something that is done everywhere.
So levels are mainly used in Australia and I think in the US too but don't quote me on the US, because I'm not 100% sure, but I do know Australia use them.
So for places that diagnose with levels, they look at the DSM-5 (Just like other places do too) and this includes three levels.
Here's the DSM-5 Levels of Autism Support Needs with the Levels that they look at to diagnose.
Level 1 – Requiring Support
• Struggles with social communication without help.
• Finds it hard to start or keep conversations.
• Trouble with organisation, flexibility, and changes.
• Can often live independently but still needs some support.
Level 2 – Requiring Substantial Support
• Clear difficulties with communication, even with help
• Repetitive behaviours / resistance to change interfere with daily life
• Needs regular support at home, school, or work
Level 3 – Requiring Very Substantial Support
• Very limited speech or non-speaking
• Strong repetitive behaviours, struggles with change
• Needs daily, intensive support in most areas of life
💡 Extra notes:
• These aren’t “types” of autism, just a way to describe support needs.
• Autism is a spectrum, not a one size fits all.
• Support needs can change over time.
• UK diagnoses usually don’t come with “levels.”
These levels are not permanant labels, it's just a way for doctors, clinicians etc to be able to indicated the support each individual will need day-to-day when they are diagnosed.
In the UK, at least from my own experience Labels are not something that is used within the diagnosis process. The NHS, as well as privatly (I went private for my diagnosis) usually focus more on describing someone strengths, struggles and support needs without giving a number.
So yes, levels do exist in some systems of the worlkd when diagnosing autism in individual, however it is not universally given, and even where they are used, a lot of autistic people feel those numbers don’t capture the whole picture, because there's more to being autistic and our support than levels.
But I, as an autistic person, do somewhat understand why places like Australia use levels of support.
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