Autism Support Levels
Also known as: Autism Level 1, Autism Level 2, Autism Level 3
What does Autism Support Levels mean?
Autism support levels are part of the DSM-5 framework and describe the amount of support a person may benefit from across two main areas: social communication and restricted or repetitive behaviours. There are three levels, ranging from requiring some support to requiring very substantial support, and they are meant to give a general picture of a person's day-to-day support needs at the time of assessment. It is worth knowing that a person's support needs can change over time and across different environments, so these levels reflect a snapshot rather than a permanent label.
Why this term matters
Support levels noted in a diagnostic report can help schools, therapy teams, and funding programs understand a child's current needs and plan appropriate supports. Families may find it helpful to share this information when advocating for services, though eligibility for specific programs is always decided by the program administrator.
Canadian context
How support levels are used in practice can vary across provinces and territories, and not all Canadian funding or school programs reference DSM-5 levels directly when determining eligibility. It may be worth reviewing your provincial or territorial program guidelines to understand how a child's support needs are considered in the application process.
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