Part 3: Autism Level 2 – Bridging Communication Gaps and Daily Life Skills

In our last post, we explored Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder and how individuals with subtle support needs navigate the world. If you missed it, you can view it at Part 2: Autism Level 1 – Navigating the World with Subtle Support Needs. Today, we move further along the spectrum to focus on Level 2 Autism—where support is not just helpful, but essential to daily functioning.

Level 2 ASD is often where communication challenges, sensory differences, and behavioral needs become more visible—and understanding them with compassion is key to true inclusion.

What Is Level 2 Autism?

According to the DSM-5, Level 2 Autism Spectrum Disorder describes individuals who require substantial support in social communication, behavior regulation, and everyday activities. While individuals with Level 2 ASD often have verbal communication, it may be limited, awkward, or heavily scripted. Some may be minimally verbal or use alternative communication methods like assistive devices or sign language.

Key characteristics often include:

• Noticeable difficulties with verbal and nonverbal communication

• Struggles with understanding social norms (e.g., turn-taking, personal space)

• Highly focused interests that may dominate conversations

• Difficulty coping with changes in routine or unexpected events

• Sensory sensitivities that may cause distress (loud sounds, textures, lights)

• 
  

People with Level 2 ASD are deeply insightful and capable, but navigating daily life without intentional support can feel overwhelming and exhausting.

Common Challenges and Support Needs

Individuals at this level may:

• Need help developing conversational skills and emotional regulation strategies

• Require structured environments or visual schedules to succeed

• Experience meltdowns or shutdowns when overwhelmed by sensory input or change

• Struggle to generalize skills from one setting to another (for example, knowing how to act in a classroom but not in a store)

Therapies like Speech-Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can play critical roles in helping individuals with Level 2 ASD build skills and confidence while respecting their unique identities.

At SMR Wellness Center, activities like grooming a horse or leading a miniature donkey on a walk help individuals practice motor skills, communication, and sequencing—all while building emotional bonds that traditional settings sometimes miss.

Strengths to Celebrate

Despite the daily challenges, individuals with Level 2 Autism often shine in remarkable ways:

• Intense focus can lead to specialized talents

• Genuine, heartfelt communication—even when words are few

• Unique problem-solving abilities

• Deep loyalty and honesty in relationships

• Keen senses that can make them highly attuned to environments

When given the right supports and opportunities, individuals with Level 2 ASD can and do thrive, contributing their talents to communities, schools, workplaces, and beyond.

How You Can Support Someone with Level 2 ASD

• Be clear, patient, and literal in communication—avoid figurative language unless explained

• Create structured, predictable environments whenever possible

• Allow extra time for transitions and processing

• Celebrate progress, no matter how small

• Respect alternative communication methods without forcing “typical” speech

• 
  

Next Up: Level 3 Autism – Deep Support, Deep Connection

In our next post, we’ll explore Level 3 ASD, where individuals require very substantial support across all areas of life. We’ll discuss the beauty of deep connections and the importance of community-based support for those with high support needs.

Remember: the goal is not to change who someone is, but to build a world where they can thrive as they are.

🧩 To learn more about how animal-assisted therapy can empower individuals across the autism spectrum, visit SMR Wellness Center or follow our work at Linktree.