Parenting a child with autism comes with a mix of questions, emotions, and a strong desire to do right by your child. If your child has been diagnosed with level 2 autism, you’re probably trying to make sense of what that means, day to day, at home, in school, and out in the world.
According to the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, about 1 in 31 children in the U.S. has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as of 2023. While every child with autism is different, understanding the level system, especially Level 2 autism spectrum disorder, can help you better support your child’s development.
This article will walk you through what level 2 autism looks like in children and what kind of help your child may need. No matter if the diagnosis is new or something you’ve been living with for a while, this guide is here to help you make sense of it and feel less alone.
What Does Level 2 Autism Mean?
Autism is diagnosed on a spectrum, and the levels (1, 2, and 3) reflect how much support someone needs. Level 2 autism is right in the middle. It means your child needs substantial support, more than someone at Level 1 but less than Level 3, which typically involves round-the-clock care.
Kids with level 2 autism usually have noticeable challenges in social communication and behavior. These challenges aren’t occasional; they’re part of daily life. That’s why consistent support is essential.
Here are the common level 2 autism symptoms
- Trouble with back-and-forth conversation
- Struggles to start or maintain friendships
- Talks in a way that sounds unusual or repeats the same phrases often
- Strong attachment to routines or sameness
- Repetitive movements (hand-flapping, spinning, lining things up)
- Intense, narrow interests
- Sensory issues (e.g., reacting strongly to sounds, textures, or lights)
Is Level 2 Autism High-Functioning?
Some parents think level 2 autism means high-functioning, but that’s not really the case. The term “high-functioning” isn’t used in clinical settings anymore because it doesn’t give an accurate picture of support needs. A child may be highly verbal and still struggle with everyday situations like changes in routine, group settings, or unstructured play.
The level system doesn’t focus on IQ, it focuses on how much help someone needs to function in daily life. A child with Level 2 autism may be bright, creative, and full of potential, but still needs substantial support to thrive.
Ways to Support a Child With Level 2 Autism
Helping your child starts with understanding, but it doesn’t stop there. Here are 12 things you can do, both big and small, that can make a real difference.
1. Create Predictable Daily Routines
Kids with level 2 autism often find comfort in knowing what’s coming next. Routines help them feel more in control and keep anxiety in check. Set up predictable patterns for meals, bedtime, getting ready for school, and even playtime. Use visual schedules or checklists to show the steps of the day.
2. Use Visual Aids and Supports
Visuals can be a big help for kids on the spectrum. Things like pictures, symbols, or icons make it easier to explain routines, changes, and what’s expected. Visual supports can also include timers, first/then charts, or emotion cards. These tools help your child process information without relying solely on verbal instructions.
3. Start Speech and Language Therapy
Even if your child speaks, they may need help with the social side of communication, like how to take turns in conversation, read body language, or understand sarcasm. A speech-language pathologist can work on both verbal and nonverbal skills tailored to your child’s needs.
4. Consider ABA Therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a widely used approach for supporting kids with autism. It helps teach everyday skills and works to lessen behaviors that get in the way of learning or daily routines. While opinions about ABA are mixed, many families with children who have Level 2 autism spectrum disorder report improvements in communication, behavior, and independence, especially when the therapy is personalized, respectful, and play-based.
5. Explore Occupational Therapy
Level 2 autism symptoms often include challenges with motor skills or sensory sensitivities. An occupational therapist (OT) can help your child with everything from writing and dressing to tolerating certain textures or sounds. OT sessions are often playful but focused, and they give kids practical strategies for daily life.
6. Practice Social Skills in Real Life
Your child may benefit from social skills training, but the real work happens at home. Practice greeting people, taking turns, asking for help, or joining a game. Use simple role-playing at home or narrate what’s happening during social situations to help your child understand.
7. Learn Your Child’s Sensory Profile
Some kids are hypersensitive (everything feels “too much”), while others are hyposensitive (they seek intense sensations). Watch how your child reacts to sound, light, touch, taste, and movement. Once you understand their sensory needs, you can adjust the environment to help them stay regulated, whether that means noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, or sensory breaks.
8. Use Clear, Simple Language
Children with Level 2 autism often process language differently. Short, direct sentences work best. Avoid idioms or sarcasm unless you explain them. Break instructions into steps and check for understanding. Give your child time to respond without rushing them.
9. Focus on Strengths, Not Just Challenges
Your child has talents and interests worth celebrating. Whether it’s building things, remembering details, drawing, or coding, help them build confidence through their passions. Strength-based parenting fosters self-esteem and keeps your child motivated.
10. Prepare for Transitions
Change can be hard for kids with Level 2 autism. Whether it’s leaving the park, starting school, or switching tasks, transitions often trigger stress. Give advance warnings (“5 more minutes”), use countdown timers, or talk through what’s happening next.
11. Work With Your Child’s School
Your child has the right to support at school through an IEP (Individualized Education Plan). Work with teachers and specialists to develop accommodations, like extra breaks, social skills groups, or sensory tools in the classroom. Don’t be afraid to speak up. You know your child best.
12. Prioritize Your Own Well-being
Taking care of your child starts with taking care of yourself. Burnout is real, and you can’t pour from an empty cup. Whether it’s therapy, a quiet break, or simply asking for help, recharging matters. When you’re supported, you’re in a better place to support your child.
Supporting Growth in Level 2 Autism, One Moment at a Time
Every child with autism grows on their own timeline, and that’s okay. As a parent, your job isn’t to “fix” your child but to help them feel seen, supported, and safe being exactly who they are. Level 2 autism brings challenges, yes, but also opportunities to build trust, resilience, and connection in ways that might not show up on any milestone chart. The more you learn and adapt, the more you’ll find that progress doesn’t always look like big leaps, it often looks like quiet moments of understanding, one small step at a time.