Autism Level 3

[Crystalball84]

Hi, I've created a few threads here about my 5 year old son. He was recently diagnosed with ASD. Yesterday we received his report and it said Level 3 autism. I was surprised at this. I looked online and mostly what I have read does not describe my son's behavior. Has anyone else had a level 3 diagnosis? Do levels change throughout life I wonder?

It's such a difficult and s**t time. Reading all the negatives.

Levels describe the amount of support an autistic person might need. Once diagnosed, people don't tend to have their diagnosis changed. But the diagnosis hasn't changed who your son is. His future might be very different from another 5-year-old diagnosed with level 3.

If he needs less support than level 3 indicates, that's awesome. The level 3 diagnosis will mean he is more likely to get support, at school and later, even if his needs are less severe.

Thanks for replying. I know what you are saying makes sense logically. I guess my hope for progress has taken a big hit .

They do get it wrong. And children surprise the professionals all the time.

I've just read your other thread and it does sound surprising that they have diagnosed level 3. He has lots of skills that many wouldn't. I work with SEN children, many of whom have autism. They absolutely do make progress, even if it is not linear or the same as their peers.

Have you got or made steps towards getting an EHCP?

My husband said it doesn't matter the level and it'll guarantee maximum support. I suppose he is right but I just thought he would be level 2.
I'm not in the UK but will have a place in an ASD class attached to a mainstream school.
He is making a lot of progress really. It's sometimes hard to remember that when you get a shock.

If you aren’t in the UK are you somewhere where the level of support via medical insurance depends on the ASD level? Could it be a way of ensuring DS has more support?

It doesn't vary on insurance but I guess if level 3 means requires substantial support, he will have a better chance of getting it. I have to have a meeting with the psychologist to review the report so I might ask about it and express my fears, although I don't really want to know the answer 😞