What do the autism severity levels mean?
To be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) you must meet a specific combination of criteria across two domains: A) Social communication and social interaction; and B) Repetitive or restricted behaviour, interests or activities. Because of the variability in autism, the diagnosic criteria (DSM5) provides severity levels 1 to 3 for each of the two domains to reflect the degree certain behaviours impact with a persons life. These ratings may vary across a persons lifespan.