Every child’s journey in life is beautiful, and when that path includes a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), understanding the ins-and-outs of their support needs becomes an exciting adventure. For children with autism level 2 (the middle level in the three-tier ASD support framework), support requirements are often more frequent and focused in order to help them unlock meaningful progress.
With the help of this guide, you will learn what level 2 autism means for your family, and the impactful steps you can take to help your child feel confident in day-to-day life.
Let’s jump right in!
Autism Level 2 Defined: What Is Level 2 Autism?
Autism level 2 is a mid-level classification within the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) three-tier support framework for ASD. Children with level 2 autism often require substantial support in social situations and daily routines, particularly related to communication and flexibility.
Recent research indicates that 1 in 4 children with autism require substantial to very substantial support, which is indicative of a DSM-5 diagnosis of levels 2 and 3. This statistic helps families understand that their child would greatly benefit from intensive, coordinated support in their lives. Through the DSM-5 support framework, families and professionals can focus on exactly what their child needs to succeed in daily life, offering tailored learning environments and fun activities that are best suited to their needs.
What Does Autism Level 2 Look Like?
Keep in mind that every kid is unique and may express themselves in different ways. There isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to autism level 2 diagnosis, especially since each level of autism is broadly defined. However, as a generalization, a child with level 2 autism may:
- Have limited verbal communication or rely on alternative methods like gestures
- Experience interfering behaviors when initiating or responding in social situations or when communication is limited
- Prefer solitary play
- Exhibit repetitive behaviors
- Show signs of stress with transitions or unexpected changes
These traits do not define a child’s potential but offer insight into the kind of guidance and tools they may need to grow, play, and connect.
Ultimately, it’s always a good idea to seek professional help to investigate your child’s behavior further before jumping to conclusions. This leads us to the next question.
How Is Level 2 Autism Diagnosed?
Level 2 autism is diagnosed in the same way as all levels of autism. It is typically diagnosed by a multidisciplinary team including developmental pediatricians, psychologists, and therapists. A thorough evaluation by healthcare professionals using standardized criteria from the DSM-5 is the most common method.
When it comes to the diagnosis process, you can expect the following:
- Standardized assessments such as the ADOS-2 or ADI-R
- Behavioral observation
- Developmental history and parent input
Diagnosis may occur in toddlerhood or early childhood, especially when language delays or social interaction interferences are noticed. Early identification is vital, as it opens doors to supportive therapies like ABA therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.
According to the CDC, early intervention is linked to better long-term outcomes for children with ASD, especially in areas like language, social engagement, and adaptive behavior.
Daily Impact of Autism Level 2 on Everyday Routines
Autism level 2 affects multiple aspects of daily functioning, creating both opportunities for growth and areas where additional support proves essential. At home, families often develop structured routines that help their children feel secure and successful throughout the day.
School environments present unique considerations for children with autism level 2. They benefit from consistent expectations and teachers who understand their communication style. Many children succeed in inclusive classrooms with appropriate supports, while others thrive in specialized programs designed for their specific needs.
Social situations at school require intentional support. These children benefit from explicit instruction in social skills, structured peer interactions, and understanding adults who can help navigate playground dynamics or group projects.
How to Help Children with Level 2 Autism Succeed in Daily Life
For children with level 2 autism, communication may come in alternative forms, such as gestures, vocalizations, and non-verbal communication. Learning your child’s particular methods of communication and responding to them in a positive manner when they communicate is important for daily success.
One of the key factors that helps parents support their child with level 2 autism is understanding that transitions can feel overwhelming to the child, so compassion and empathy are huge tools in helping your child feel confident. Remember, taking life slow and steady still wins the race!
Kids with level 2 autism may also benefit from:
- Predictable routines
- Visual schedules
- Quiet spaces to regulate sensory input
- Communication supports like the addition of picture cards or other communication systems
The goal is not to limit their world, but to make that world more accessible and enjoyable with compassionate (and fun!) support.
Best Support Options for Children with Autism Level 2
Children with level 2 autism may need guided support to express their wants and needs in social or daily life settings. This is where evidence-based support options like ABA therapy come into play.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a naturalistic approach to happy learning that is recommended for children with level 2 autism.
How ABA Therapy Helps Support Children with Level 2 Autism
ABA therapists take the unique needs of each child into account when creating individualized support sessions. This type of interaction and therapy helps children:
- Develop expressive and receptive language
- Build social skills like turn-taking and emotional understanding
- Learn daily living routines (ex. toileting, mealtime)
- Increase flexibility and tolerance for new situations
Professional centers like Bierman Autism Centers offer highly effective ABA sessions curated by experienced ABA therapists. The approach is always joyful, child-centered, and grounded in celebrating every milestone.
Other impactful support services may include:
- Speech therapy to support language and communication development
- Occupational therapy to assist with sensory processing and motor skills
These therapies are used to empower children with level 2 autism, not to change who they are as beautiful individuals. It helps each child feel understood, supported, and excited to explore.
How to Become Involved in Your Child’s Journey as a Parent
Here’s the biggest truth: parents and caregivers are the most important part of the journey. Your observations, routines, and encouragement create a powerful bridge between therapy and everyday life.
Ways to support your child include:
- Practicing skills learned in therapy at home
- Creating calm spaces for sensory regulation
- Encouraging play that builds interaction (e.g., building together, pretending)
- Joining therapy sessions when possible to learn strategies firsthand
Through collaboration with your child’s support network (i.e., therapists, healthcare professionals, and other support groups), you can help your child create their own version of success, one joyful step at a time.
Find Fun-Filled Success at Bierman Autism Centers
Children with level 2 autism are filled with creative beauty and immense joy for life. With compassionate and consistent support tailored to meet their needs, they can grow in confidence, build relationships, and enjoy a vibrant daily life.
At Bierman Autism Centers, we’ve helped hundreds of children take big steps, like saying their first word, playing with a peer, or graduating from therapy with new independence.
Your child’s journey is their own, and we’re honored to be part of it. Find a Bierman Autism Center near you to start your playful learning adventure today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Support Options Do Bierman Autism Centers Offer Children with Autism Level 2?
All Bierman Autism Centers offer ABA therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy to children with level 2 autism. Each 1-on-1 session is child-led and supported by a seasoned therapist who shapes curriculums around the child’s unique needs and goals. Parents are encouraged to participate in sessions and continue the techniques at home.
When is Autism Level 2 Typically Diagnosed?
Most evaluations begin with developmental screening during routine pediatric visits at 18 and 24 months, but diagnosis may also come when the child is between 3-9 years old. When common traits of level 2 autism arise, families are typically referred to specialists who conduct more thorough assessments using standardized tools like the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule). This provides structured opportunities to observe social communication and play behaviors.
What is Communication Like for a Child with Level 2 Autism?
Communication patterns often include speaking in simple sentences, frequently returning conversations to preferred topics, and showing reduced eye contact during interactions. Many children walk away during conversations or provide unexpected responses to social questions. In general, language development may seem delayed, but they may demonstrate strong vocabularies within their areas of interest.
