Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Introduction
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that influences the way people communicate, interact, and process the world around them. Because autism is highly individual — no two people experience it the same way — clinicians often use levels of support needs (Levels 1, 2, and 3) to describe how much assistance may be required in daily life.
Understanding these levels helps parents, carers, and educators make sense of a diagnosis, plan for the right supports, and celebrate developmental progress. This article explores the levels of autism, the role of GDD (Global Developmental Delay), and how developmental milestones are tracked through the EYLF (Early Years Learning Framework).
Table of Contents
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by:
- Differences in social interaction and communication.
- Patterns of repetitive behaviour or restricted interests.
- Unique ways of processing sensory information.
The word spectrum is important. It reflects that autism varies widely: some people may need minimal adjustments in daily life, while others may need intensive, ongoing support.
Autism Levels: An Overview
Clinicians classify autism into three levels, based on the amount of support required. These levels are not about "severity" in a simple sense but about practical needs in day-to-day functioning.
- Level 1 Autism → Requires support
- Level 2 Autism → Requires substantial support
- Level 3 Autism → Requires very substantial support
These categories help guide therapy, educational planning, and access to services.
Level 1 Autism
Characteristics:
- Challenges with social communication (e.g. difficulty maintaining conversations).
- Struggles with understanding subtle social cues.
- Difficulty switching between tasks or adapting to unexpected changes.
Support Needs:
- Social skills training (structured opportunities to practice interaction).
- Support for executive functioning, such as organisation and planning tools.
- Environmental adjustments in classrooms or workplaces (visual timetables, clear instructions).
People at Level 1 may live independently with the right supports, but benefit greatly from tailored strategies.
Level 2 Autism (ASD Level 2)
Characteristics:
- Marked difficulties in both verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Social interactions are limited and may revolve around restricted interests.
- Strong reliance on routine; distress when disrupted.
Support Needs:
- Regular, structured intervention (speech therapy, occupational therapy, applied behaviour analysis).
- Consistency across environments — home, school, community.
- Visual supports, structured routines, and clear behavioural strategies.
At Level 2, support is ongoing and substantial, often involving multiple professionals.
Level 3 Autism (ASD Level 3)
Characteristics:
- Very limited communication; some individuals may be non-verbal.
- Minimal interest in social interaction.
- Intense difficulty coping with change.
- Repetitive or highly restricted behaviours dominate daily life.
Support Needs:
- Daily, intensive professional support.
- Alternative communication tools such as AAC devices or PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System).
- A highly structured, predictable environment.
Level 3 autism is often referred to as "severe autism" in informal contexts, but it is more accurate to describe it as requiring very substantial support.
Autism vs GDD (Global Developmental Delay)
Global Developmental Delay (GDD) is a diagnosis for children under five who show delays in at least two developmental areas, such as:
- Language and communication.
- Motor skills (fine and gross).
- Social interaction.
- Cognitive/problem-solving abilities.
Key Differences
- Autism (ASD): Defined by differences in social communication and restrictive/repetitive behaviours.
- GDD: Broader, non-specific delays across multiple milestones.
Some children with GDD later receive an autism diagnosis, while others do not.
Developmental Milestones and the EYLF
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is Australia's national framework for guiding learning and development in early childhood. It helps educators track milestones and tailor learning environments.
Domains monitored include:
- Communication: Understanding, expressing, and using language.
- Social development: Playing with peers, sharing, turn-taking.
- Cognitive development: Attention, memory, problem-solving.
- Physical development: Gross and fine motor skills.
For children with autism, the EYLF provides a way to measure progress in a supportive, holistic way, recognising both challenges and strengths.
Find Autism-Specialised Therapists
Connect with qualified professionals who understand autism and can provide the right level of support.
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References and Further Reading
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) - (link)
- Australian Government Department of Education – Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) - (link)
- Autism Awareness Australia – (link)
- World Health Organization – Autism Spectrum Disorders Fact Sheet - (link)