Level 2 autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD Level 2). With “moderate severity,” is a developmental disorder that affects how a person interacts, communicates, and behaves. In Australia, early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for providing the best support and improving long-term outcomes. Identifying early signs of autism, particularly Level 2, can help ensure that individuals receive the right help at the right time.

Key Early Signs of Level 2 Autism

Level 2 autism typically presents with noticeable social and communication difficulties that are more pronounced than those seen in Level 1. Below are the primary signs parents, caregivers, or educators might notice in children as early as 18 months to 2 years:

Social Communication Difficulties
- Limited Social Interactions: Children may struggle with eye contact, facial expressions, or responding to social cues. They may not engage in typical back-and-forth conversations or may seem uninterested in socializing.
- Lack of Shared Interests: They might not show interest in playing with peers or adults in the typical ways. Their play may be more solitary or lack imagination.
- Delayed Language Development: Children with Level 2 autism may have delayed speech or may not use language functionally. They may have difficulty with conversations, often speaking in short sentences or repeating phrases (echolalia).
- Difficulty Understanding Social Norms: They may not grasp turn-taking in conversations or understand personal space boundaries.
Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors
- Repetitive Movements or Actions: This can include hand-flapping, rocking, or repeating certain motions, such as spinning objects or lining up toys.
- Rigid Routines: A child may become very distressed if their routines or rituals are disrupted. They may insist on specific order in activities or rituals, such as the exact way a task must be completed.
- Fixation on Specific Interests: While many children have strong interests, a child with Level 2 autism may become excessively fixated on a particular topic or object to the exclusion of other activities.
- Sensory Sensitivities: A heightened or lowered sensitivity to sensory inputs is common. For instance, they may react strongly to loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures, or they might have a reduced response to pain or temperature changes.
Difficulty in Social Reciprocity
- Trouble Expressing Emotions: They may have difficulty understanding or expressing emotions appropriately. This can lead to challenges in empathizing with others or responding in a socially expected way to emotional cues.
- Limited Non-Verbal Communication: Children may have difficulty using gestures, facial expressions, or body language in social interactions. This affects their ability to convey feelings, needs, or wants to others.

When to Consult a Professional

If a child exhibits several of these signs consistently, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children with autism. Here’s when to seek professional help in Australia:

a. Developmental Delays: If a child is not meeting typical developmental milestones (e.g., language, motor skills, or social interactions) by 18 months to 2 years, it is time to consult a paediatrician or developmental specialist.

b. Repetitive or Unusual Behaviors: Engaging in repetitive behaviors or demonstrating extreme resistance to changes in routine can be an indicator of autism.

c. Social Withdrawal: If a child consistently avoids social interactions or struggles significantly with understanding and participating in typical social exchanges, professional guidance is necessary.

d. Speech Delays or Regression: If a child doesn’t start speaking by 2 years or shows a loss of previously acquired language skills, early intervention is crucial.

e. Sensory Processing Issues: If sensory sensitivities (e.g., being overly sensitive to lights, sounds, or textures) impact daily life, professional advice can help address these challenges.

In Australia, parents can consult their General Practitioner (GP) who may refer them to a paediatrician, psychologist, or a speech pathologist for further evaluation. For additional support, many parents seek advice from autism-specific organizations such as Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT), based in Sydney, which provides resources, diagnostic services, and therapies.

Mental and Behavioral Preparation

When autism is suspected or diagnosed, it can be overwhelming for families, caregivers, and the individual affected. Understanding how to prepare mentally and behaviorally is essential to fostering a supportive environment and ensuring effective intervention. In Australia, support networks and services are readily available to guide families through this process.

Mental Preparation:
- Education and Understanding: One of the first steps is to gain a clear understanding of what autism is. Learning about the characteristics of Level 2 autism can reduce confusion and help families navigate the challenges ahead. Autism Australia provides educational resources and guides that can help caregivers better understand their child’s condition.
- Accepting the Diagnosis: Acceptance is an important step for both the child and the family. While autism may change the way a child develops, it doesn’t define their potential. Many individuals with autism lead fulfilling, independent lives with the right support. It’s important to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. Local groups, such as the Autism Association of New South Wales (NSW) or Autism Queensland, offer valuable peer support.
- Resilience and Patience: Children with autism often require more time to master social and communication skills. Caregivers should prepare for a longer developmental journey and understand that progress may be gradual. Resilience and patience will be key in managing the challenges that come with raising a child with autism.
Behavioral Preparation:
- Establish Routines: Children with Level 2 autism often thrive in structured environments. Establishing predictable routines can help reduce anxiety and prevent meltdowns. Be consistent with daily schedules and transitions, but allow flexibility where possible.
- Implement Early Intervention Strategies: Early intervention therapies, such as Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy, are crucial. These therapies can help address communication deficits, develop social skills, and manage behavioural issues. In Australia, many state health departments, like Queensland Health or NSW Health, provide programs designed to support children with autism.
- Communication Support: Some children may benefit from alternative communication strategies, such as using sign language, picture exchange systems (PECS), or assistive communication devices. Collaborating with a speech therapist can ensure the best communication tools are available.
- Encourage Social Skills: Use role-playing, social stories, and other structured activities to teach social skills and emotional regulation. Children with Level 2 autism often benefit from explicit teaching of social rules and cues. Speech Pathologists in Australia are highly skilled in providing these types of programs.
- Sensory Regulation: Identify and minimize sensory triggers (such as loud sounds, bright lights, or certain textures). Sensory integration therapies may help children process sensory information more effectively and feel more comfortable in different environments.
- Caring for Caregivers: Looking after a child with autism can be physically and emotionally demanding. It’s important for caregivers to take time for self-care and seek support from autism-focused groups, counselors, or professionals to avoid burnout. The Carers Australia network offers support services for families of children with autism across the country.

Conclusion (on Level 2 Autism signs & next steps)

The early signs of Level 2 autism can be subtle but significantly affect a child’s ability to interact, communicate, and navigate the world around them. Identifying these signs early and seeking professional guidance is crucial to ensuring that children receive the necessary support to thrive. Mental and behavioral preparation for parents and caregivers will help in managing challenges, fostering growth, and creating an environment that supports the child’s development. Early intervention can make a profound difference, and with the right resources, children with autism can achieve their fullest potential.

In Australia, families can access a wide range of resources and services to assist with early diagnosis and ongoing support. For those specifically seeking behavioral support, Helping Hands Behaviour Support (HHBS), based in Melbourne, offers expert guidance and tailored interventions to help children with autism develop positive behaviors and coping strategies. HHBS is dedicated to providing high-quality, individualized support to families navigating the complexities of autism.

If you’re looking for additional support or have concerns about your child’s development, we encourage you to reach out for professional help. Fill out the form below to connect with the team at Helping Hands Behaviour Support and take the first step towards providing your child with the support they need to thrive.