What Does Stage 2 Autism Mean? | Rise Up For Autism

Level 2 Autism represents a level of “severity” within autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and children at this level require substantial support. If your child has been diagnosed with Level 2 Autism, you may be feeling unsure of where to turn for help and answers.

This blog post will provide valuable information about this condition, including its symptoms, potential challenges, and how ABA therapy can help your child develop essential independent living skills.

What Is Level 2 Autism?

Level 2 Autism, as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), signifies that children experience substantial challenges in social communication and display repetitive or restrictive behaviors. These challenges demonstrably affect their ability to function in various aspects of daily life, requiring ongoing support. Unlike Level 3, where children require very substantial support, Level 2 indicates that these children can often function better with the right support systems in place.

Signs of Level 2 Autism

As we have mentioned above, autism Level 2 is a moderate level of autism. Children with Level 2 autism often experience difficulties in the following areas:

Social Communication

Children may struggle to initiate or maintain social interactions, often having difficulty initiating conversations or understanding social cues such as body language. Although they attempt communication, both verbal and nonverbal communication might be limited or awkward, causing difficulties engaging with peers and understanding social dynamics. Specifically, they may have trouble with:

Understanding subtle social cues (e.g., sarcasm, humor).
Interpreting nonverbal communication (e.g., facial expressions, tone of voice).
Taking turns in conversations.
Maintaining appropriate eye contact.
Expressing their thoughts and feelings clearly.

Social Interaction

The child's ability to understand and respond to social cues will be noticeably affected, impacting their ability to build and maintain relationships. This can affect their participation in various social settings and activities, such as birthday parties or family gatherings. For example, they may struggle to understand and participate in the social dynamics of a holiday celebration like Christmas, misinterpreting interactions or feeling overwhelmed by the sensory aspects of gift-giving.

Repetitive and Restrictive Behaviors

Children may exhibit restrictive or repetitive behaviors. These could range from lining up toys to an intense focus on specific topics or routines. They may also demonstrate difficulties with flexibility and adapting to changes. This can cause distress and disrupt various aspects of their daily life.

Other potential challenges may include sensory sensitivities, difficulties with motor control, planning skills, and executive functioning.

How Is Level 2 Autism Diagnosed?

The autism diagnosis process involves a multi-faceted approach conducted by healthcare providers experienced in diagnosing mental disorders and developmental disorders:

Developmental history: A comprehensive review of the child's developmental history is obtained from parents or caregivers.
Behavioral observation: Professionals observe the child's behavior in various settings, to assess communication, social interaction, and play.
Standardized assessments: Standardized tests help assess the child's cognitive abilities, language skills, adaptive behaviors, and social skills. These scores help determine the level of support required.
Review of medical history: Relevant information from medical records helps rule out other conditions that might explain the observed symptoms.

How Level 2 Autism Impacts Daily Life

Level 2 autism can impact various aspects of a child's daily life:

Social interaction: Children might struggle to build and maintain friendships, which can lead to feelings of isolation.
Communication: Difficulties communicating needs and thoughts can lead to frustration and misunderstandings.
School: Difficulties with social interaction, communication, and following instructions might affect their ability to participate in class and complete assignments.
Home: Repetitive behaviors and difficulties with transitions can sometimes make daily routines challenging and may impact the child's overall well-being.
Emotional regulation: The challenges managing emotions can lead to significant distress and emotional outbursts.

While these challenges can present obstacles, it is important to remember that children with Level 2 autism are capable of significant growth and development. With the right support, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, children can learn valuable social, communication, and life skills to navigate these challenges.

ABA Therapy Support for Stage 2 Autism

Applied Behavioral Analysis, or ABA therapy, plays a crucial role in supporting children with Level 2 autism. It addresses the communication challenges, social interaction difficulties, and challenging behaviors often associated with this level of ASD. ABA therapy offers individualized treatment that focuses on:

Building necessary communication skills by teaching children how to express their needs and understand others. This often starts with basic gestures and words, gradually moving to more complex conversations and social interactions that help them navigate daily life more confidently.
Partnering closely with parents and caregivers to ensure strategies work at home, not just in therapy sessions. This collaborative approach helps children apply their new skills across all environments, making progress more meaningful and lasting.
Breaking down daily living skills into manageable steps that make sense to the child. From getting dressed to brushing teeth, therapists help children master these routines by celebrating small victories and providing consistent, gentle support when challenges arise.
Creating a positive learning environment where each small achievement is acknowledged and reinforced. Rather than focusing on what needs to be "fixed," therapists celebrate progress and build on the child's natural interests and strengths to encourage further development.
Teaching through natural moments throughout the day, turning everyday situations into learning opportunities. Whether it is mealtime, playtime, or bedtime routines, therapists work with families to embed learning into activities the child already enjoys.

At Rise Up For Autism, we offer comprehensive, individualized ABA therapy programs designed to meet each child's unique needs. Our experienced team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) provide evidence-based interventions and work collaboratively with families to help children reach vital milestones. We understand that every child's unique journey requires a personalized approach. Contact us to learn more.

Rise Up For Autism: We Know How to Help Your Child

Level 2 autism presents substantial challenges, but with the appropriate support and interventions, children can make significant progress and lead fulfilling lives. Early intervention, tailored therapies, and a supportive environment are crucial for maximizing their potential.

We believe in a personalized approach. Rise Up For Autism offers customized treatment plans that address your child's individual needs and strengths. Contact us to schedule a consultation.

FAQ

What kind of school support typically works best for children with Level 2 autism?

Most children with Level 2 autism thrive with a mix of specialized and mainstream education. This often includes a dedicated aide in the classroom, modified assignments, and regular sessions with speech and occupational therapists. Some children do well in inclusive classrooms with support, while others benefit from smaller special education classes for certain subjects. The key is finding the right balance for each child's unique needs.

How can I tell if my child's current therapy is actually helping?

Look for small but meaningful changes in daily life — maybe they are making more eye contact, trying new foods, or handling changes in routine with less distress. Progress might be gradual, but you might notice they are picking up new words, showing interest in playing with siblings, or mastering daily tasks like getting dressed. Keep a journal to track these changes, and do not hesitate to discuss adjustments with your therapy team if something is not working.

What can I do at home to support my child with Level 2 autism?

Create consistent routines but build in some flexibility. Use visual schedules, break tasks into smaller steps, and celebrate every bit of progress. Turn everyday moments into learning opportunities — cooking together, sorting laundry, or grocery shopping can all help develop important skills. Remember that some days will be harder than others, and that is perfectly okay.

Will my child with Level 2 autism be able to live independently as an adult?

Many people with Level 2 autism can achieve significant independence as adults, though they might need some ongoing support. The level of independence varies greatly and depends on many factors, including early intervention, continued support, and individual strengths. Focus on building life skills early on, and remember that progress continues well into adulthood.

How can I help my child make and keep friends?

Social connections might look different for children with Level 2 autism, but they are just as important. Consider structured playgroups or social skills classes where children can practice interaction in a supportive environment. Help organize activities around your child's interests, and coach other parents and children on how to include and understand your child. Remember that quality of friendships matters more than quantity.

My Child Has Level 2 Autism: What Do I Need to Know?