What is level 2 autism?

What is Level 2 Autism?

Level 2 Autism, also known as Autonomous Phase Autism, is one of the three levels of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) recognized by the 2013 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Individuals diagnosed with Level 2 Autism exhibit moderate symptoms, typically requiring substantial support and services to communicate and function.

Key Characteristics of Level 2 Autism

Those with Level 2 Autism often have difficulties in all three areas of deficit – social interaction, verbal communication, and repetitive behavior/ restricted interests. While the symptoms are more obvious in Level 2 compared to Level 1 Autism (requiring minimal support), they are less severe and more variable than in Level 3 Autism (requiring very substantial support and services).

Common Deficits in Level 2 Autism

• Verbal Communication: May demonstrate difficulties in initiating and/or maintaining conversations, and tend to prefer to communicate via non-verbal methods.
• Social Interaction: May exhibit difficulties with sharing, taking turns, cooperation, and understanding nuances, such as facial expressions or tone of voice.
• Repetitive Behaviors/Restricted Interests: May exhibit stereotypes, routines, and adherence to strict rules or daily routines.

Social Difficulty in Level 2 Autism

• Theory of Mind: May have problems understanding other people’s emotions, thoughts, and actions.
• Perspective Taking: May have limited ability to take on different perspectives, leading to issues with empathy and social nuances.
• Friendliness and Sociability: Tend to be friendly when initiating conversations, but become uncomfortable when interacting in-group settings or with non-conversational topics.

Communication Difficulties in Level 2 Autism

• Verbal or Nonverbal Communication: May struggle with using symbols, words, gestures, or signs to convey wants, needs, or meanings.
• Expressiveness: May have difficulties controlling the tone, pitch, volume, or clarity when speaking, leading to potential misunderstandings.

Ruminations and Stereotype Behaviors in Level 2 Autism

• Rituals, Routines, and Play: May exhibit preoccupied interests or repetitive activities involving music, art, body movements, or imaginative roles.
• Object Preferences: May have an intensified interest in specific objects or textures.

Implication of Level 2 Autism on Daily Life

Individually, each Level 2 Autism trait, when taken in isolation, may seem manageable, yet collectively, they significantly impede social, occupational, and daily functioning. Here are a few potential struggles:

• Independence: Struggle to cook, manage finances, find employment, or make timely decisions due to rigid beliefs and social difficulties.
• Education: Need supports and accommodations to grasp nuanced concepts, participate in groups, and engage with lectures.
• Intelligence: Intellectually unaffected, yet difficulties in organizational skills, time management, and emotional regulation impact social and educational performance.
• Health: Susceptible to mental health complications, such as depression and anxiety, due to excessive stress, social struggles, and restricted interests.

In conclusion, Level 2 Autism presents a moderate stage of ASD, necessitating substantial support and services from caregivers, educators, healthcare professionals, and support centers. Early Diagnosis, Appropriate Intervention Strategies, and Specialization can significantly impact adaptive functioning and overall quality of life.

FAQ’s

1. Why is Level 2 Autism considered more severe than Level 1 Autism?: Level 2 Autism exhibit more significant difficulties in areas of deficit, necessitating more substantial support compared to Level 1.
2. Can a diagnosis of Level 2 Autism change?: Diagnoses may evolve over time as an individual develops skills and adapts to changes or experiences, potentially warranting a change in level placement.
3. Should I worry about a sudden change in my autistic loved one’s behavior?: Yes, sudden changes often indicate increased stress or overwhelm that may need attention, accompaniment, or consultation with professionals.

In many cases, Level 2 Autism presents a life stage that, with targeted therapeutic interventions and support networks, can enable individuals to master essential life skills and gain greater autonomy. By working together with professionals, creating personalized support plans, and fostering self-acceptance, we can improve well-being, independence, and overall life satisfaction for autistic individuals.

Important Quotes

"The most critical elements in diagnosing Autism level 2 are communication disturbances, stereotyped (repetitive) use of language, and deviant play." – Susan W. Nober [1]

"Intensively focusing on social interaction techniques, like role-playing games, has been reported in studies as an effective, long-lasting method in increasing the understanding and responsiveness to emotional expressions of children with autism. [2]

"For social skills development, there need to be more strategies supporting individuals in developing flexible response patterns to different situations and partners." [3]

Footnotes:

[1]: Nober, S.W. (2010, March 15). Evaluating autism spectrum disorders among children and adolescents: diagnostic and assessment strategies.

[2]: Ingersoll, B. (2008, April). Telepresence and social interaction.

[3]: Zelazo, P.D., & Frye, D. (1999). Cognitive correlates of the regulation of arousal. Child development, 70(6), 1232–1247.

By discussing the unique characteristics and features of Level 2 Autism, this article aims to raise awareness and facilitate targeted support and accommodations, emphasizing the importance of recognizing that each individual with Level 2 Autism is uniquely challenging and rewarding to support, with opportunities for growth, adaptation, and successful personal and professional development.