There is a lot of debate surrounding the term “high-functioning” when it comes to autism. Some people believe that there is no such thing as high-functioning autism, while others believe that it is a real and distinct diagnosis. So, what is the truth? Is level 2 autism considered high-functioning? Let’s take a look at what the research says.
What is level 2 autism?
When it comes to autism, there is a lot of confusion about what “high-functioning” or “low-functioning” means. The terms are often used to describe how well someone with autism can communicate and interact with others, but they don’t give a full picture of the range of abilities and challenges people on the spectrum may have.
Level 2 autism, sometimes called “medium-functioning” autism, is used to describe people who fall in the middle of the spectrum. They may have some difficulty communicating and interacting with others, but they are able to do so with support.
People with level 2 autism often need help with social skills, such as understanding nonverbal cues and taking turns in conversation. They may also benefit from structure and routines to help them cope with change and anxiety. However, they are typically able to attend mainstream schools and lead relatively independent lives.
What are the symptoms of level 2 autism?
Most people with level 2 autism have problems with social interactions and communication as they may avoid eye contact and have trouble understanding nonverbal cues, and mostly prefer to be alone always. They may also have difficulty understanding other people’s points of view and taking turns in conversations.
People with level 2 autism may also have repetitive behaviors or interests. These can include repetitive movements, such as hand-flapping or rocking; insistence on sameness, such as always eating the same food or wanting to wear the same clothes every day; intense interests in specific topics, such as trains or numbers; and resistance to change in routines.
How is level 2 autism diagnosed?
There is no official diagnosis for level 2 autism, but it is generally used to describe people who fall somewhere in between high-functioning and low-functioning on the autism spectrum. Level 2 autism can vary widely in terms of symptoms and severity, but people with this diagnosis tend to have more difficulty communication and socializing than those with high-functioning autism. They may also have more repetitive behaviors and sensory issues. Diagnosis is typically done by a team of professionals using standardized assessments.
What are the treatment options for level 2 autism?
There are a number of different treatment options available for level 2 autism, which can be tailored to each individual’s needs. Some common interventions include behavior therapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills training. Medication may also be prescribed in some cases to help manage associated symptoms such as anxiety or depression. It is important to work with a team of professionals to create an individualized treatment plan that will address the specific needs of your child.
There is no easy answer to the question of whether or not level 2 autism is high-functioning. While some people may consider anyone with autism to be high-functioning, others may only consider those with higher IQs and fewer symptoms to be high-functioning. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide what level of functioning they consider to be high-functioning.
