Laurel is a 5-year-old with no language skills. She spends most of her day sitting on the floor in the corner of the kitchen, flapping her hands repeatedly and rocking back and forth. At what level of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) would Laurel be diagnosed?

Austism spectrum disorder (ASD) level 3

Explanation:

Autism is a developmental disorder. It affects a person’s behaviors and communication skills. The symptoms range from mild to severe. They often make it hard to engage with others.

ASD Level 3 is the most severe level of autism. Those at this level require very substantial support. In addition to a more severe lack of communication skills, people with level 3 autism also display repetitive or restrictive behaviors.

Repetitive behaviors refer to doing the same thing over and over, whether it’s a physical action or speaking the same phrase. Restrictive behaviors are those that tend to distance someone from the world around them.