Signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often appear in early childhood, making early recognition and intervention important. When you are able to successfully navigate the different types of autism and how they’re classified today, you will feel empowered to provide your beautiful child with the personalized attention they need to explore the world with confidence.
Here’s the truth: The way we understand autism has evolved significantly over the years, and knowing your child’s level of autism can help you make informed decisions about their care and support.
Today’s autism classification system focuses on support levels rather than separate diagnostic categories. This shift reflects a growing understanding that autism presents differently in every child, and each deserves individualized care that meets their unique needs.
What is ASD?
ASD is a neurodevelopmental diagnosis that affects how individuals communicate, interact socially, and process sensory information. ASD acknowledges that autism appears differently across individuals and by varying degrees. That’s where the idea of ‘types of autism’ and ‘levels of autism’ comes into play.
According to recent statistics, about 1 in 31 (3.2%) children aged 8 years have been identified with ASD, a noticeable rise from years past. This rise reflects improved awareness, better diagnostic tools, and expanded understanding of how autism presents in boys and girls.
So, what does autism look like?
Core Characteristics All Types of Autism Share
Regardless of support level, all children with autism share certain core characteristics:
- Social communication interferences: Impacts in verbal and nonverbal communication, understanding social cues, and relationship building
- Repetitive behaviors and restricted interests: Repetitive movements, intense interests in specific topics, or the need for predictable routines
- Sensory processing: Over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, textures, lights, or other sensory input
- Need for routine and predictability: Preferability for a consistent routine in schedule or environment
Across the board, these characteristics are tell-tale signs of ASD. However, the degree to which these signs appear determines the ‘type’ or ‘level’ of autism.
From Historical Types of Autism to Modern DSM-5 Levels
Prior to 2013, professionals used several distinct diagnostic categories, including Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), and classic autism. The term ‘autistic disorder’ was the clinical label used for what was considered classic autism before the DSM-5, distinguishing it from other related diagnoses.
Asperger’s Syndrome was characterized by milder symptoms, particularly in social interaction and restricted interests, and typically did not involve significant language delay. It was considered a distinct, milder form of autism, but people with Asperger’s are now included under the broader neurodivergent classification in the DSM-5.
The current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) consolidated these separate types of autism into one umbrella: ASD. Instead of different types, experts now use 3 support levels to describe the amount of support each individual needs.
Understanding the 3 Support Levels for Types of Autism
The modern approach to classifying types of autism focuses on three support levels. For example, children at higher support levels may require more support to feel confident in daily life and achieve independence.
Let’s take a closer look at the three levels of autism.
Level 1: Requiring Support
Children with Level 1 autism often speak in full sentences, but may need additional support when it comes to managing social interactions. For instance, they may have trouble understanding nonverbal cues, or become overwhelmed by changes in routine.
For example, a Level 1 child might excel academically but struggle during recess. They may have intense interests in specific topics and want to focus on them extensively without regard to others in the room.
Level 2: Requiring Substantial Support
Children with Level 2 autism may struggle with verbal and nonverbal communication. They may speak in simple sentences or be acquiring new language and communication systems, but have communication interferences when initiating social interactions. They may also show more obvious repetitive behaviors. Changes in routine or environment can be particularly distressing.
A child with Level 2 autism often requires more structured support to participate in group activities and learn from their natural environment. Level 3: Requiring Very Substantial Support
Children with Level 3 autism experience communication and relationship-building interferences often. They may engage in repetitive behaviors that interfere with daily life and require much more support for most activities, especially when it comes to communication.
If you are a parent of a child with Level 3 autism, don’t worry. You are not alone. Recent research indicates that approximately 26.7% of children with autism show characteristics of the Level 3 type of autism. Luckily, there are a lot of support centers and therapies, like ABA therapy at Bierman Autism Centers, that are proven methods to help build confidence in children with all 3 levels of ASD.
Other Types of Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Beyond the Mainstream Definition of Autism
While most people are familiar with ASD as defined in the DSM-5, there are some other lesser-known types of neurodevelopmental disorders that require special attention and understanding. Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) is one, marked by a loss of social, language, and mental engagement after a period of neurodevelopment, usually between ages 2 and 4. Children with CDD may suddenly lose the ability to speak, interact, or perform daily tasks they had previously mastered, making early diagnosis and intervention important. While CDD used to be its own diagnosis, it is now under the umbrella of ASD.
Rett Syndrome is another type of neurodevelopmental disorder, primarily in girls, and is caused by a distinct genetic mutation. Children with Rett Syndrome often experience a period of neurodevelopment followed by a loss of communication and social skills, as well as interferences with motor skills and repetitive hand movements. Genetic testing can play a key role in diagnosis and care planning for Rett Syndrome.
Both CDD and Rett Syndrome highlight the importance of tailored support and specialized interventions. By increasing awareness and education about these types of developmental disabilities that either fall under the umbrella of autism or co-occur with autism, families and professionals can work together to provide the best possible support for children with these unique needs.
Support of Language Interferences in Autism
Language development in autism is highly individualized, with some children experiencing language delay or interferences with verbal communication. For many people with autism, communication barriers can impact their ability to connect with others and navigate social situations.
To support this, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods, such as sign language, picture exchange systems, or speech-generating devices, can be invaluable. Speech therapy sessions are also a great tool to empower children in a child-led and playful learning environment.
These tools allow children and teens to express their needs, make choices, and participate more fully in daily life. Early intervention and targeted language therapies, guided by therapists and speech-language pathologists, have been shown to significantly improve language development and social interaction skills.
Co-Occurring Diagnosis: What to Look For
Many individuals with autism experience co-occurring diagnoses. For example, a common co-occurring diagnosis includes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
It is important to recognize that additional diagnoses can influence how autism characteristics present and may require specialized interventions. For example, a child with both autism and ADHD might benefit from behavioral therapies tailored to address both sets of symptoms.
Remember, all kids are wonderfully unique, and each child deserves support that matches his or her talents.
Daily Life Experiences with All Types of Autism
The daily experiences of individuals with ASD vary. Some children require very substantial support with daily living skills, such as managing routines, personal care, and independent living. Others may be more independent but still need support when it comes to social interactions, sensory processing, and repetitive behaviors.
Sensory sensitivities, such as being overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures, can make environments appear different from day to day. Repetitive behaviors and a strong preference for the same routine can also impact flexibility and adaptability, highlighting the need for additional support during periods of transitions and unexpected changes.
Tailored support, including ABA therapy, occupational therapy, educational support, and mental health services, can make a significant difference in helping people with autism navigate daily life.
How Different Types of Autism Levels Inform ABA Therapy
Understanding your child’s support level is very important for developing an effective Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy plan. Research shows that 48% of children receiving intensive ABA therapy show significant improvement in adaptive behaviors, compared to 22% of those receiving standard care.
ABA therapy adapts to each child’s unique needs, regardless of their support level. For Level 1, therapy might focus on social skills training and managing anxiety around changes. Level 2 might work on expanding communication skills and reducing interfering behaviors. Level 3 might benefit from intensive support in basic communication and daily living skills.
Tailoring ABA Goals by Autism Support Level
The beauty of modern ABA therapy lies in its individualized approach:
- Assessment and Goal Setting: Every child receives a comprehensive assessment to identify their unique strengths and challenges
- Individualized Programming: Therapy goals are tailored to each child’s support level and family priorities
- Progress Monitoring: Regular data collection ensures therapy remains effective and goals are adjusted as needed
- Family Integration: Parents learn strategies to support their child’s progress at home and in the community
At Bierman Autism Centers, we offer personalized ABA therapies that encourage children at all levels to engage in fun and fulfilling activities. We adhere to the beautiful belief that a diagnosis is not the end; it’s the beginning! It’s the first step in finding a plan and support system that works best for your little one’s amazing mind.
Through tailored ABA therapies, you can watch your child blossom and grow in confidence in life.
Supporting Different Types of Autism: How It Works
Consider Emma, a 5-year-old with Level 1 autism who loves dinosaurs and can recite facts about them for hours. Her ABA therapy focuses on learning when and how to share her interests with others, taking turns in conversations, and increasing her tolerance for changes in her routine. Through play-based learning, Emma practices social skills while engaging with her favorite topic.
Then there’s Marcus, a 4-year-old with Level 2 autism who uses one to two word phrases to communicate but struggles with transitions. His therapy emphasizes expanding his communication skills, using visual schedules to ease transitions, and developing coping strategies for overwhelming situations.
Through support sessions like ABA therapy, both children are able to make meaningful progress, each at their own pace and in their own way.
How Bierman Autism Supports All Types of Autism
At Bierman Autism Centers, we understand that every child with autism is unique, regardless of their support level. Our comprehensive approach combines evidence-based ABA therapy with play-based learning, creating an environment where children can thrive while developing essential skills.
We believe that learning should be joyful and engaging, which is why we integrate play into every aspect of our playful learning framework approach.
With a 1:1 therapist-to-child ratio, every child receives the focused attention they need to make meaningful progress. Our team works closely with families to ensure that skills learned in therapy generalize to home and community settings.
Ready to Start the Journey?
Understanding the different levels of autism s is just the beginning of your child’s exciting life journey. Every child deserves the opportunity to feel confident in life, and early intervention can make a significant difference in their development and quality of life.
If you’re ready to explore how ABA therapy can support your child’s unique needs, we invite you to contact our team at 800-931-8113.
Your child’s future is bright, and we’re here to help them shine. Start now with Bierman Autism Centers to take the first step.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How soon can you observe signs of ASD in children with autism?
Early signs of autism can sometimes be observed in infants as young as 6-12 months. These may include a lack of eye contact, not responding to their name, limited babbling or gesturing, and not showing interest in social interactions like playing peek-a-boo. In toddlers, signs might involve social communication interferences, repetitive behaviors (such as hand flapping), and reactions to sensory input. Every child grows in their own unique way, so it is important to have multiple professionals evaluate a child over time rather than ‘self-diagnosing’ a child.
2. What is the typical process for diagnosing autism in children?
The diagnostic process for autism typically involves a multi-disciplinary team, including pediatricians, psychologists, and speech-language pathologists. It often begins with developmental screenings during check-ups. If concerns arise, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted, which may include observing the child’s behavior, interviewing parents, and using standardized diagnostic tools like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) or the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). Early diagnosis is crucial for accessing timely interventions.
3. What resources are available for families of children newly diagnosed with autism?
First and foremost, it is important to remember that you and your family are never alone! There is a vast support system made up of professionals and other families that are excited to encourage you on your journey.
Families of children that have recently been diagnosed with autism have access to a large variety of resources. These often include early intervention programs, behavioral therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills groups. Support organizations and community forums also provide information, advocacy, and community connections. Many regions also offer parent training programs and support groups to help families celebrate the successes of raising a child with autism.
4. How does early intervention impact the long-term life journey for individuals with autism?
Early intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes for individuals with autism. Intensive and individualized therapies can help children explore fun and new communication, social, and adaptive living skills. Furthermore, early intervention can enhance a child’s ability to learn and increase their independence as they grow. The benefits are often seen in positive social integration and increased opportunities for individuality in adulthood.
