Not all autistic children need the same level of support. Some need light support in specific situations; others need substantial support in most parts of their day.
Levels of support
The DSM-5 describes the support a person needs in social communication and in repetitive behaviours using three levels:
- Level 1: requiring support.
- Level 2: requiring substantial support.
- Level 3: requiring very substantial support.
A level is not a fixed verdict
A child’s needs can differ from one skill to another and from one age to another. A child may be strong in matching and memory yet need more support with requesting or interaction. Support needs can also change with learning and development.
We plan for the child’s real needs, not for the label alone.
What does this mean for the plan?
- We assess each area separately to see where the child needs support.
- We set the right level of help for each goal, then fade it gradually.
- We review the plan regularly because needs change.
