Definition
The DSM-5-TR describes autism using three support levels: Level 1 (requiring support), Level 2 (requiring substantial support), and Level 3 (requiring very substantial support), rated separately for social communication and for restricted, repetitive behaviors.
Why It Matters
Support levels are meant to describe how much help someone needs, which can guide services more usefully than older functioning labels. Rating the two domains separately acknowledges that needs are uneven.
Common Misconception
Support levels are not fixed or global. A person's level can change with environment, stress, and life stage, and someone can be Level 1 in one domain and Level 3 in another. They describe support needs in context, not a permanent rank.