What is ASD level 2?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause social, communication, and behavioral challenges. ASD includes conditions that were previously referred to as Asperger’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise specified.
ASD is classified into 3 levels based on the amount of support needed:
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | “Requiring support” |
| Level 2 | “Requiring substantial support” |
| Level 3 | “Requiring very substantial support” |
ASD level 2 or “requiring substantial support” is characterized by marked deficits in verbal and nonverbal social communication skills, social impairments apparent even with supports in place, limited initiation of social interactions, and reduced or abnormal responses to social overtures from others.
Individuals with level 2 ASD have inflexible behavior, difficulty coping with change, or other restrictive/repetitive behaviors appearing frequently enough to be obvious to the casual observer and interfere with functioning in a variety of contexts. Distress and/or difficulty changing focus or action may be apparent.
Is ASD level 2 considered a disability?
Yes, ASD level 2 is generally considered a disability under the law. Here are some key reasons why:
It meets the legal definition of disability
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other disability rights laws, a person with a disability is defined as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment.
Since ASD level 2 involves significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges that affect major life activities like learning, working, and social interactions, it is considered a disability.
It typically requires accommodations
Most individuals with ASD level 2 need substantial supports and accommodations to function effectively in various environments like school, work, and the community. Common accommodations can include:
- Extra time to process information and complete tasks
- Written instructions, schedules, and checklists
- Minimized distractions
- Social skills training
- Sensory accommodations
- Alternative communication methods
Needing this degree of accommodation is a hallmark of having a disability.
It can severely limit major life activities
While the degree of impairment varies, ASD level 2 frequently seriously limits major life activities such as:
- Learning and applying knowledge
- Communication
- Self-care
- Work performance
- Social interaction
- Self-regulation
Such pervasive and chronic limitations in critical areas of functioning are emblematic of disability.
It often requires special education services
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), children with disabilities including autism are entitled to special education services and supports in school. The vast majority of students with ASD level 2 qualify for an individualized education program (IEP) to get accommodations and modifications to help them succeed academically alongside their peers. Qualifying for special education services is an important indicator of having a disability.
It meets disability criteria for government benefits
Many government benefit programs like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) rely on medical criteria that recognize ASD level 2 as a potentially disabling condition. Meeting the Social Security Administration’s disability criteria further demonstrates that ASD level 2 is considered a disability.
Conclusion
In summary, ASD level 2 clearly meets the criteria for being classified as a disability based on its effects on functioning, accommodation needs, eligibility for special services, and recognition by government agencies. The substantial supports required for individuals with level 2 ASD to thrive underscore that it causes significant limitations that make it appropriate to regard as a disability both legally and clinically. This allows access to vital protections and services. Overall, there is a strong consensus that ASD level 2 meaningfully impacts daily life and meets the definitions of disability under the law.