What are the Different Types and Levels of Autism?

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the seemingly endless terms surrounding autism, you’re not alone. Words like Asperger’s, Rett Syndrome, “high-functioning,” and “low-functioning” are still thrown around today.

However, many people don’t realize that these terms no longer have the formal relevance they once did. In 2013, the world of autism-related diagnoses was simplified under one umbrella term: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

But don’t be fooled into thinking this means the topic is easy to understand. The shift toward using ASD instead of a series of different autistic disorders is more complex than it seems.

In this post, we break it all down:

The terminology changes
How autism gets classified today
What you, as a parent, need to know about the levels of ASD
How to support your child

A Change in Autism Terminology

Before 2013, children who showed signs of autism could have been diagnosed with a range of different conditions.

Some of the most common were:

Autistic Disorder
Asperger’s Syndrome
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Pervasive Development Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
Rett Syndrome

Not only did these terms provide a wide array of potential diagnoses, but further descriptors were tossed in, such as:

High-functioning
Low-functioning
Severe
Mild

Though these words may have helped in very broad ways, the reality was they often created more confusion than clarity.

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Redefining ASD Under the DSM-5

Everything changed in 2013 with the introduction of the DSM-5, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This is an authoritative guide used by healthcare professionals to diagnose and classify mental disorders, including autism.

The DSM-5 includes:

Descriptions
Symptoms
Other criteria for diagnosing mental disorders

When the DSM-5 came out, experts reviewing diagnoses realized an issue. Diagnosis within the autism spectrum tended to change over time.

They can vary not just between individuals but also across the lifespan of a child.

Perhaps even more concerning, the diagnosis often differed significantly depending on who was evaluating the child.

The solution?

Rework and simplify how autism was being categorized.

The DSM-5 replaced the older terms (Rett syndrome, PDD-NOS, and so on) with the single diagnosis now known as ASD or Autism Spectrum Disorder and instead clarified severity by introducing three distinct levels of support.

The 3 Levels of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Since 2013, autism has been diagnosed in levels, which allows parents and professionals to understand the support needs a child may have.

When you ask about how severe your child’s ASD is, doctors now answer that question by assigning a level between one and three based on the type and extent of support your child requires.

ASD Level 1: Requires Support

For autistic children at level one, autism may not be immediately apparent. They can usually communicate verbally and may even engage in relationships or limited social interactions. But friendships often don’t come naturally.

In particular, children at this level tend to show:

Limited interest in social engagement
Struggles with behavior flexibility and change
Anxiety and difficulty adjusting to unexpected activities or transitions
Organizational issues that may prevent complete independence

While routines are helpful to any child, for those with level 1 ASD, daily structure becomes a critical part of their comfort. Adjusting to new situations or settings without warning may lead to discomfort or anxiety, making clear routines a vital factor for managing their needs.

Many parents find that with structured support and consistency, children at ASD Level 1 can excel socially and academically. However, friendships may not come naturally.

ASD Level 2: Requires Substantial Support

Children diagnosed with Level 2 ASD usually show more pronounced social interaction challenges. Whereas children at level 1 may start or maintain a conversation, those at level 2 often find both verbal and non-verbal communication difficult.

Here are some key behaviors:

Noticeable difficulty initiating social interactions
Reduced or unusual responses in conversation and social settings
Trouble shifting focus between tasks or environments
May only participate in short conversations
May need extensive support to participate in social activities

For families with a child at Level 2, it becomes important to integrate strategies tailored to your child’s communication style. Doing so ensures they stay on track in school and other social settings.

Parents might look into special needs tutoring for autism, which can offer the extra support needed to improve social and academic skills.

ASD Level 3: Requires Very Substantial Support

Level 3 represents the most severe and intensive cases of autism, requiring very substantial support. Here, children may have almost no verbal communication or social skills, making it difficult for them to function independently.

Behavioral signs can include:

Complete absence or severe delay in social communication
Social skills are completely non-existent
Repetitive and restrictive behaviors—such as rocking, spinning, or flapping—that interfere with daily activity
May be unable to communicate basic needs verbally

Children at this level often find even minimal changes in their environment overwhelming, and interventions will need to be significant and ongoing.

Most children with ASD level 3 have a specific impairment or disorder that accompanies the original autism diagnosis. This offers a way to get more specific assistance.

Level 3 children often need one-on-one support and professional therapies, such as speech or occupational therapy.

An individualized education plan (IEP) is crucial for ensuring they get the tailored care required to thrive at school and home.

Additional Conditions That May Occur with ASD

Autism spectrum disorder rarely exists in isolation. Many children will also have other conditions that require additional focus in both therapy and school settings, such as:

Intellectual Impairment: Cognitive delays that affect learning and development.
Language Impairment: Delays in or absence of speech development.
Behavioral, Mental, or Neurodevelopmental Disorders: ADHD or anxiety may commonly be associated with ASD.
Medical or Genetic Conditions: Some children may have other underlying medical issues impacting their daily lives.

Addressing autism is often a multi-faceted task, and all accompanying diagnoses must be taken into consideration to create the best possible support environment.

Understanding Autism Labels in Special Education

We get it—labels feel personal. As a parent, it’s hard to hear an official label attached to your child. But when it comes to special education, labels are tools, not definitions.

They are a way to ensure children can access the right services that help them focus and reach their full potential.

An autism diagnosis, whether at Level 1, 2, or 3, should always be viewed as a tool for advocating for your child. It opens doors to therapies, learning plans, and adjustments in both school and daily life to empower your child.

At its best, special education treats every label as a launch point for individualized learning experiences that address each child’s unique strengths.

Building a Customized Learning Experience for Your Child

Knowing your child’s level of ASD is just the beginning. Support should always be tailored to match their specific needs, helping them build the skills and confidence necessary to thrive.

Creating a virtual or at-home learning plan can be a great way to personalize the education experience, ensuring your child has exactly what they need to succeed.

By understanding their level and the types of challenges they face, you’re better equipped to foster an effective learning style, whether in the classroom or during homeschooling for autism.

Next Steps: Support and Resources for Parents

Here’s the good news- you’re not alone.

So, whether your child is at Level 1, 2, or 3 of the autism spectrum, the most important thing you can do is ensure they have access to the right resources.

Remember, an autism diagnosis is just a starting point to understand where your child might need extra support—not a limit to their potential.

If you’re curious about how a customized learning experience can help your child, get started with a free consultation!

And don’t forget: Parenting a child with ASD is a journey full of learning—but with the proper steps, you won’t have to make it alone.