Which statement best describes Level 3 autism?

• A. Mild deficits in social communication
• B. Severe deficits in verbal and nonverbal social communication
• C. No deficits
• D. Predominant impairment in repetitive behaviors

Answer: (B)

Level 3 autism reflects the need for very substantial support due to severe impairments, especially in social communication. The best description is severe deficits in verbal and nonverbal social communication because it captures both spoken language challenges (such as limited or absent speech and difficulty sustaining conversations) and nonverbal difficulties (like poor eye contact, limited facial expressions, and trouble interpreting social cues). These impairments occur across contexts and lead to minimal initiation or back-and-forth interaction, requiring ongoing, pervasive support. While restricted and repetitive behaviors can be present, the defining feature at this level is the profound difficulty with social communication. The other options describe milder impairment, no impairment, or a focus on repetitive behaviors, which do not best fit Level 3.