Which level of autism is defined as 'requiring substantial support'?

• A. Level 1
• B. Level 2
• C. Level 3
• D. Not at all ASD

Answer: (B)

Autism spectrum disorder severity levels describe how much support a person needs to function in daily life. The level defined as requiring substantial support is Level 2. This level is for individuals whose social communication challenges and restricted, repetitive behaviors are noticeable and cause impairment across multiple settings, requiring more than basic help but not the most intensive supports. They often need structured interventions, explicit teaching of social skills, and accommodations across home, school, and community to participate meaningfully.

Level 1 requires only some support and may involve milder social-communication challenges that can often be managed with typical accommodations. Level 3 involves very substantial support, with severe and pervasive difficulties in social communication and behavior that markedly limit daily functioning, needing intensive ongoing assistance. The “not at all ASD” option would not apply to someone who clearly meets the criteria for ASD with any level of needed support.