The ASD levels are three ratings, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3, that describe how much support an autistic person needs. They’re part of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, and they rate support needs in two areas: social communication, and restricted or repetitive behaviour.
The levels describe support needs, not how “autistic” someone is or how capable they are. Two people at the same level can still lead very different lives.
Where do the ASD levels come from?
The levels come from the DSM-5-TR, the diagnostic manual clinicians in Australia use to diagnose autism. When a psychologist, paediatrician or psychiatrist diagnoses autism, they give a level for each of the two areas. A child can be at the same level for both, or a different level for each.
The official names are:
- Level 1, requiring support
- Level 2, requiring substantial support
- Level 3, requiring very substantial support
A report might read “ASD Level 2 (social communication), Level 1 (restricted and repetitive behaviours)”. That person needs more help with communicating and connecting with others than with routines, interests and sensory needs.
The levels replaced the older types of autism, such as Asperger’s syndrome and PDD-NOS, in 2013.
What does ASD Level 1 mean?
At Level 1, difficulties with social communication are noticeable when support isn’t there. A person might speak in full sentences but struggle with back-and-forth conversation, find it hard to start a conversation, or make friends in ways others find unusual.
With routines and interests, a Level 1 person may find it hard to switch between activities, or to plan and organise their day. Change can throw them more than it would most people, even if it doesn’t stop them altogether.
Level 1 autism is often missed in childhood, especially in children who learn to copy those around them. A teenager at Level 1 might get good marks but come home exhausted every day, or dread group work because the unwritten rules feel impossible to read.
What does ASD Level 2 mean?
At Level 2, social communication differences are clear even when support is in place. A person might use short, simple sentences, talk mainly about a few favourite topics, or communicate in ways others don’t easily understand.
Repetitive behaviours and a strong need for sameness are usually obvious to people who don’t know the person well. Being moved from one activity to another can cause real distress.
A child with ASD Level 2 might line up toys for long stretches and scream or bite when it’s time to pack them away. Families often notice the early signs of Level 2 autism before age three, such as few words, limited pointing and strong reactions to small changes.
What does ASD Level 3 mean?
At Level 3, a person has significant difficulty with social communication. Many use few or no spoken words and may only start an interaction to get something they need. Some communicate well using a speech-generating device, signs or pictures.
Change is extremely hard at Level 3, and repetitive behaviours affect most parts of daily life. A Level 3 adult might need support with eating, dressing and staying safe, and might become very distressed if their usual support worker is away.
Level 3 says nothing about what a person understands. Many nonspeaking autistic people understand far more than they can show through speech.
Can an ASD level change?
Yes. A level describes support needs at the time of assessment, and those needs can change over time. A toddler diagnosed at Level 2 might be reassessed at Level 1 at school age after building communication skills, while stress, illness or a big transition like starting high school can increase someone’s support needs.
Needs can also change from one setting to another. A child might cope well at home, where everything is predictable, and need much more support in a noisy classroom.
What don’t the ASD levels tell you?
The levels don’t measure intelligence, strengths or personality. They also don’t show whether someone has an intellectual disability, a language disability or another condition like ADHD. Clinicians record those separately in the diagnosis.
That’s why a level on its own can be misleading. Two children at Level 2 might need very different help if one reads above their age level and the other is still learning to talk.
How do ASD levels affect NDIS access?
Level matters most when someone first applies to the NDIS. The NDIA keeps lists of conditions to guide access decisions, and autism diagnosed at Level 2 or Level 3 is on List A, which covers conditions likely to meet the disability requirements. People diagnosed at Level 1 can still join the NDIS, but usually need extra evidence showing how autism affects their everyday life.
Once someone is a participant, funding is based on their individual needs and goals, not their level. Interestingly, the DSM-5-TR itself says the levels shouldn’t be used to decide eligibility for services, which is one reason the NDIA looks at how a person functions as well as what their report says.
What support helps at each level?
Support should match the person’s goals and needs, not just their level. That said, some patterns are common.
At Level 1, support often focuses on understanding social situations, managing anxiety and planning the day. ABA therapy can help with practical skills like organising a morning routine or asking a teacher for help.
At Level 2, support often focuses on communication and coping with change. Visual timetables, warnings before transitions and a clear way to ask for a break can make a big difference. Young children often benefit from early childhood intervention that involves parents and educators.
At Level 3, support is usually more intensive and involves the whole team around the person. When behaviour like self-injury or aggression puts someone at risk, Positive Behaviour Support works out what the behaviour is communicating and builds safer ways to meet that need.
This article is general information about ASD levels, not a diagnosis or an assessment of any person. Only a qualified health professional can diagnose autism and assign a level.
Behaviour support and therapy at Level 1, 2 or 3
Whatever level is on the report, Helping Hands Behaviour Support (HHBS) can help with the everyday skills and behaviours that matter most. We’re an NDIS-registered provider of Positive Behaviour Support, ABA therapy and early childhood intervention, working with autistic children and adults at home or at school. Participants can use NDIA-managed, plan-managed or self-managed funding with us.
If you or someone you support has an ASD diagnosis and NDIS funding for therapy, speak with our team on 0452 423 822 or enquire online, and we’ll talk through what support would help at their current level. Support coordinators working with an autistic participant who needs therapy or behaviour support are welcome to submit a referral, and we’ll be in touch soon.
