Levels of Autism – Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder : Dr Nadeem Ghayas
November 7, 2025
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition, which influences individual thinking, learning, communication, and other forms of behavior. It is referred to as a spectrum since all those with autism are different. A few children can be helped with some slight assistance, whereas others can require assistance during their entire lives. Knowledge of the levels of autism assists parents, teachers, and professionals to offer the appropriate type of assistance to a particular child.
Autism, as defined in DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), is broken down into three levels. These scales determine the extent to which an individual requires assistance or support in their lives. Intelligence or worth is not the issue they are concerned with, they just define how much help is required.
Level 1 – Requiring Support
This is the least extreme form of autism. Someone who is at Level 1 will be able to talk, learn, and handle most things independently, however, he/she might feel problems in social situations. They may have difficulty making friends, conceptualizing jokes, and participating in group activities. Stress or frustration may come about due to changes in day to day routine. Through guidance, counseling and patience they can perform well in school and in life.
As an example, a Level 1 student may be a student who speaks well and prefers solitude and gets upset when plans are abruptly changed. Through adequate assistance they would be able to learn to cope with new situations and gain confidence.
Level 2 – Substantial Support is Necessary.
Level 2 individuals require additional assistance in communicating and controlling their daily tasks. They can speak with brief sentences, delay in replying or saying the repetitions of some words or behaviors. They are used to standard procedures and can be extremely disheartening towards change. It is also common to work on one interest long hours.
Such children and adults enjoy the benefits of regular therapy, special education programs and regular care at home and school. Through a good family and community, their communication and behavior may be modified in the long term.
Level 3 -Very Substantial Support is needed.
This is the most extreme kind of autism. Level 3 is someone who can barely communicate and comprehend other people. Others might not even talk, use gestures, pictures, or gadgets. Even minor changes in the environment can cause them to be very upset. Diligent reactions and repetitive behaviors are the order of the day.
At this stage, children require assistance in their daily activities, therapy sessions and close monitoring all the time. They can progress and acquire new skills as they go as long as they are supported at a very early age and assisted throughout the process.
The Autism in Pakistan and its Support.
Due to the growing awareness about autism in Pakistan, many families are still finding it hard to get the correct services. The knowledge of these three levels assists parents and educators to understand how to program therapy and education based on the individual needs of the child. Companies like the Association for Persons with Exceptional Needs (APEN) in Karachi are trying to give better opportunities, training and awareness to the children with autism and other special needs.
Each autistic child has his or her strengths, talents and challenges. Through early diagnosis, family support and professional direction, a great number of children may lead good and productive lives. The most important thing is to love continuously, be patient and accept.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: APA.
Autism Speaks. (n.d.). Autism levels: An overview of the 3 Autism levels. Accessed on 16th October, 2014.
Medical News Today. (2024). What are the levels of autism? Article retrieved on 13th July 2018 at, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325106.