Level 2 Autism

It’s currently autism month, and it’s always important for me to promote awareness during this time. I am level 2 autistic, but does that mean?

Formerly autism was categorized by functioning labels, which have since been deemed problematic. Functioning labels are inaccurate because functioning for an autistic person can vary from day to day and even hour to hour. Autism is a spectrum within a person, not just person to person. Functioning labels also contribute to a hierarchy amongst autistic people, prioritizing those who are “higher” functioning or seemingly more capable.

Levels show the need of support an autistic person generally needs. Level 1 autistic means in need of some support, level 2 is substantial support and level 3 autistics need very substantial support.

What does level 2 autism mean to me? It means I need moderate support and have very limited independence. I cannot leave the house by myself, I need support at doctor’s appointments, or even going to the store. There are things I physically CAN do, like driving, but being level 2 autistic makes it difficult for me to focus, stay still and emotionally regulated to do so. I also have OCD, which makes driving even more difficult for me. I also cannot take public transportation by myself for risk of elopement, getting overwhelmed and getting lost, social anxiety and more. Even in taking a ride service, I would need a companion.

I can have difficulty communicating verbally, especially when overwhelmed. I communicate better via text or finger spelling when I cannot verbalize. I often mix up words or drop words entirely and may need an extra moment to come up with responses, which makes neurotypical people assume I am lying or if it comes to titles or anything popular, being a poser for mixing up names of things.

My social interactions usually have to be planned, allowing me to carefully prepare myself to prevent burnout. I don’t do well with spontaneity, as it’s hard for me to mentally and physically prep. I need to make sure I have enough spoons and often have to plan things for separate days to not get overwhelmed. It’s hard for me when something I have prepared myself for gets cancelled or rescheduled, as it feels like I have to prepare myself all over again.

I often need reminders for hygiene, as brushing my teeth or washing my hair can lead to overload. I have to carefully prepare and set reminders and give myself little rewards. Because I also deal with contamination OCD, I also have to try not to trigger myself and keep myself clean. On top of that, dealing with pathological demand avoidance means I often ignore my body cues like going to the bathroom. A gentle reminder or suggestion to stop by the bathroom is often helpful for me, especially if others in my group are going.

My partner is my primary caretaker, and assists me in daily tasks and handling things like phone calls, appointment scheduling and helping me communicate my needs, especially in verbal shutdowns. Heteronormativity and infantilization often mean people assume she is my sister, mother or just a friend, never my spouse. I am deeply grateful for her support and helping to keep me safe mentally & physically.

When I was younger I would attempt to mask to fit in but it was not easy for me to keep the mask on for long, and now intense periods of burnout have made masking even more difficult for me, so for some people I seem “more autistic than before” or that I am exaggerating. These people often only saw me when masking, and assume that is what I am like all the time. If I am comfortable around you, I’m unmasked, and feel safe to be autistic around you.