Three Levels

Level 1: Needs Some Support

People at this level can talk and interact, but they may have trouble making friends or keeping conversations going. Their specific interests or routines can make daily life a bit difficult, but they can usually manage with some help.

Level 2: Needs Substantial Support

At this level, a person’s challenges with talking and interacting are much more obvious, even when they have support. They may have a very limited response to other people. Their routines and specific interests are frequent and noticeable, and they can make it difficult to get through the day.

Level 3: Needs Very Substantial Support

This is the most severe level. A person at this level has very limited communication skills, both with words and without them. They are very slow to respond to others and have great difficulty starting a conversation. Their routines or interests are a major barrier to daily life, and they have extreme difficulty coping with any change.