Finding out your child has Level 2 autism isn’t something any parent is prepared for. A development like this can have you questioning the chances of your child living a safe and independent life. This feeling is often accompanied with fear and so many unanswered questions. You find yourself wondering how and if a person with level 2 autism can navigate life from early childhood to adulthood on their own.
All these questions come from a place of concern, love and hope that one day, your child will be okay on their own, even when you are not around. You should know that you are not alone in this, and with the right practices and tools, you can create a world where you feel confident in your child’s ability to be independent.
Can People With Level 2 Autism Live Independently?
Yes, many individuals with Level 2 autism can live independently or semi-independently with the right support systems. Because Level 2 autism involves substantial support needs, independent living often includes structured routines, therapy, communication tools, life-skills training, or supported housing rather than completely unassisted living.
Level 2 autism is also referred to as “moderate autism”, and this indicates that a child at this level requires a substantial amount of support. The DSM-5 describes all three levels in terms of social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors. Level 2 autism is not as severe as level 3 autism, but it requires more help than level 1. So, yes, individuals at this level can live an independent or semi-independent life, but just as we have individual differences for neurotypical children, many children with level 2 ASD still need support with things like socializing, communication, adapting to changes and emotional regulation.
Independence in Level 2 ASD
Independence in this context doesn’t entirely mean doing everything without assistance. In fact, the concept of independence differs from person to person. While it might be as straightforward as being able to handle simple tasks like self-care and communication, some people are able to navigate more tasking situations, like for children: cleaning up after themselves, packing up their toys, sorting colors and tracing shapes, using the toilet with little or no assistance.
Key Skills and Support Systems for Independent Living for Children with Level 2 Autism
Figuring out a system that works can be quite challenging, as it is usually not a one-size-fits-all. However, some systems are worth giving a try, and with the right amount of patience and consistency, the results can be encouraging. It is important to note that depending on the child, there will be a need for different types of support during the course of the day, and this is why having a routine helps. An example of such a routine can be having stipulated times for the different activities of the day: 8am – wakeup and encourage your child to make their bed, 8:15am-personal hygiene and self-care, like brushing their teeth and encouraging them to use the potty or toilet; and you go on and fix different routines for the rest of the day.
These skills paired with a consistent routine would make it easy for them to adjust to the independent lifestyle to an extent:
Strengthen Their Social and Communication Skills
The social skill is one of the key developmental milestones for children, and it can be more challenging for those on the spectrum. Social skills make it easier for us to communicate with others. Therefore, helping them gain the ability to express themselves socially and communicate effectively is essential. It is often done by studying a child’s body language, paying close attention to what interests them during play, utilizing Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices, and making use of positive reinforcements whenever they make a good attempt. Communication isn’t tied to the ability to speak alone; nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, gestures and body language also qualify as means of communication.
Teach Self-Care from The Early YearsThe ability of a child with level 2 autism to do basic self-care like brushing teeth, doing and undoing their buttons and/or zippers and washing their hands, is very important in order for them to learn more complex skills as they grow.
An autistic child who has been taught to take his/her plate to the sink after a meal will be able to clean up the plate as they grow.
Teach Them to Ask for a Break
We all need a break from time to time, especially when situations become stressful, overstimulating and/or overwhelming. A lot of people can tell when they need to slow down, and once they see the need, they take a break. However, as with children with ASD, they may struggle to recognize when they are overwhelmed and how to communicate their feelings. It is okay to teach them how and when to ask for a break. This helps to build their independence and self-regulation. Learning how to teach them to take a break using the ABA therapy methods also helps a great deal. It gives a sense of direction and the assurance that you are taking a step in the right direction.
Work on Simple Household Chores
Depending on the level of ASD, most children are able to perform simple household chores. Although, you have to consider factors like the individual needs of a child, their age, and what interests them in order to give them the appropriate chores. Children with a mild level of ASD can be given complex tasks like washing dishes and preparing simple meals like adding spreads to bread. While children with moderate to severe ASD can be tasked with simpler chores like sorting the laundry, cleaning up toys, watering plants and so on.
Strategies for Navigating Daily Life Challenges for Children with Level 2 Autism
Parents, teachers, support workers and even the children themselves are faced with day-to-day challenges when it comes to adapting to the independent lifestyle, and being properly equipped with the right strategies will help make life easier. Supporting children on the spectrum requires patience and approaches that are tailored for their specific needs. Understanding this is important for parents seeking to help their children in overcoming the daily challenges. Some of the challenges that affect the children living with autism are:
- Sensitivity to sensory activities such as certain textures, sounds and light.
- Challenges with communication. Sometimes, even when they’ve mastered the different ways to communicate, they can get overwhelmed or frustrated when they don’t understand sarcasm or humor, which often leads to misunderstanding.
- Difficulties with social interaction make it difficult for them to maintain relationships that they have formed.
The strategies to help them get by each day include:
- Parental Support. As a parent, you play a very vital role in helping your child with the everyday challenges that comes with autism. In the same breath, never forget to feel positive about your style even when faced with challenging behaviors. Family counselling and access to supportive materials can also be beneficial to you and your child.
- Educating Immediate Families and Communities. Following through with this helps, not to stigmatize them but to help the people in their surroundings understand how to communicate better with people on the spectrum.
- Behavioral Strategies. A commonly recognized approach is the Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy. This therapy focuses on encouraging the desired behaviors while suppressing the less desired ones. It provides personalized strategies that meet the specific needs of individuals.
- The use of communication tools like Picture Exchange Communication System (PECs) and Augmented and Alternative Communication System(AACs) can improve communication with parents, therapists and their peers.
- Community Programmed and Resources. Parents, newly diagnosed adults and support workers can find helpful resources in these centers, which can equip them with effective routines tailored for their unique needs. It can also present parents the opportunities to socialize with other parents and their children, thereby reducing the feeling of being alone.
Children with Level 2 Autism Achieving Autonomy
Achieving independence with ASD does not mean attaining it, but supported autonomy can be achieved. Considering that level 2 autism requires substantial support, autonomy is about equipping your child with the skills and tools tailored for their needs, while monitoring them from a distance increases their self-advocacy and reliance. When key skills are built brick by brick from early childhood, they allow for a wide range of possibilities while transitioning into adulthood. Some of these possibilities can be in the form of living arrangements and independence through communication tools, such as evolving from childhood AACs and PECs to smartphones and digital home setups.
Can Level 2 Autism Live Independently?: FAQs
What does “substantial support” mean for level 2 autism?
Substantial support is in the middle of the spectrum as described in the DSM-5, it means the individual has challenges with some of the developmental domains, which may interfere with their daily life if support is not given.
Can an adult with level 2 autism hold a job?
Yes, an adult with level 2 autism who has had substantial support from early years or as soon as they were diagnosed can hold a job. They can thrive in a structured workplace that provides a routine that they can keep up to.
Can children living with level 2 autism go to normal schools?
While many children with level 2 autism can attend normal schools, it is important to consider their need for specialized support and therapy. If the school practices inclusive education, they will be able to cater to their specific needs.
How does early therapy prepare a child with level 2 autism for adulthood?
Early therapy ensures the development of the key skills they need in order to be independent and familiarises them with the tools required for ease of communication.