Resources

Level 3 Autism Explained: Myths, Truths, and What You Can Do Today

Dr. Mary Barbera

  • Level 3 autism is the most severe diagnosis on the autism spectrum, indicating very substantial support needs in communication, social interaction, and behavior. But, it isn’t just about the label. No one has a crystal ball. 

  • You don’t need to wait for a formal diagnosis or therapy team—you can start helping your child today with simple, proven strategies at home.

  • Toddlers diagnosed with Level 3 autism can make significant progress, especially with early, consistent intervention—even in just 15 minutes a day.

When toddlers are diagnosed with autism, it’s often labeled as “Level 3 Autism”—the most severe level according to the DSM-5. But what is level 3 autism? Can the level change?

And, what if that label doesn’t tell the whole story?

As a behavior analyst, registered nurse, autism mom, and bestselling author, I’ve spent over two decades helping families turn things around. And in this post, I’ll break down three harmful myths about Level 3 Autism in toddlers—and explain how parents and professionals can take action today.

Level 3 Autism Explained: Myths, Truths, and What You Can Do Today

Take Action & Start Seeing Progress!

High-Touch
Coaching

$5K+

By Application Only

Invest in support from Dr. Mary Barbera and her coaching team. By application only. Get individualized feedback so that your child or client (with or without a diagnosis of autism) can make the most progress in the shortest amount of time. Get all the details and fill out a confidential application today!

Apply Now

Online Course & Community

$997

$200 Off Now!

Start using a child-friendly and proven approach to increase talking, decrease problem behaviors and improve picky eating, sleeping, potty training and more for parents and professionals helping kids with autism and toddlers showing signs.

BUY NOW FOR $797

5 Days to More Talking DIY Mini-Course

$30 Off Now!

$97

$67

Are you ready to start turning language delays around, but not sure how? Then this 5 Day mini-course is a great way to get started. In just 5 days you’ll learn how to complete important assessments and create a plan to increase language, all while avoiding common mistakes often made and making the process fun and engaging for your child or clients.

Buy Now for $67

Take Action & Start Seeing Progress!

(Click an option below to learn more)

High-Touch
Coaching

$5K+

By Application Only

Invest in support from Dr. Mary Barbera and her coaching team. By application only. Get individualized feedback so that your child or client (with or without a diagnosis of autism) can make the most progress in the shortest amount of time. Get all the details and fill out a confidential application today!

Apply Now

Online Course & Community

$997

$200 Off Now!

Start using a child-friendly and proven approach to increase talking, decrease problem behaviors and improve picky eating, sleeping, potty training and more for parents and professionals helping kids with autism and toddlers showing signs.

BUY NOW FOR $797

5 Days to More Talking DIY Mini-Course

$30 Off Now!

$97

$67

Are you ready to start turning language delays around, but not sure how? Then this 5 Day mini-course is a great way to get started. In just 5 days you’ll learn how to complete important assessments and create a plan to increase language, all while avoiding common mistakes often made and making the process fun and engaging for your child or clients.

Buy Now for $67

What Is Level 3 Autism?

Since the DSM-5 was introduced in 2013, autism has been categorized by the level of support needed:

  • Level 1: Requires support

  • Level 2: Requires substantial support

  • Level 3: Requires very substantial support

Children diagnosed with Level 3 autism typically need intensive, around-the-clock support. But a diagnosis at this level doesn’t define a child’s long-term potential.

Key Characteristics of Level 3 Autism in Toddlers

While every child is unique, toddlers with Level 3 autism often display some of the following signs:

  • Severe communication delays

    • Little or no spoken language

    • Limited ability to use gestures or nonverbal communication

    • Difficulty understanding or responding to others

  • Significant social challenges

  • Repetitive behaviors and rigidity

    • Intense interests in specific objects or routines

    • Repetitive movements like hand-flapping, spinning, or rocking

    • Distress when routines are interrupted

  • Sensory sensitivities

    • Over- or under-reacting to sounds, textures, lights, or touch

  • Delayed daily living skills

Remember: These characteristics may improve over time—especially when evidence-based intervention starts early.

Whether you suspect autism, or your child or client has a diagnosis of level 3 autism, there are 3 myths that I want to bust about the diagnosis. 

Want to Learn how to Increase Talking & Decrease Tantrums in Children with Autism or Toddlers Showing Signs?

Want to start making a difference for your child or clients?

I’m Ready to Learn!

Myth #1: “There’s No Hope with Level 3 Autism—Just Wait and See”

One of the most dangerous myths is that a Level 3 autism diagnosis means a “normal life” is out of reach, and that you just have to wait it out. 

The Truth: Waiting is the worst thing you can do, and nobody has a crystal ball to see the future.

✅ Early intervention can lead to significant improvement, and in some cases, even prevent a diagnosis of autism or intellectual disability.

Every child is unique. There’s no such thing as “normal.” Your child can still make meaningful gains when you start now.

Myth #2: “You Need an Autism Diagnosis or a Professional Team to Begin Treatment”

Many parents believe they can’t do anything until they have a formal diagnosis, a team of professionals, or insurance approval.

The Truth: You don’t have to wait.

💡 You can start at home, today, using simple materials you already have.
💡 You don’t need a degree or clinical experience to help your child make progress.

I created the Barbera Early Childhood Assessment (BECA)—a simple, low-cost tool that helps you identify your child’s strengths and needs in minutes. Over 65,000 parents and professionals have already used it, and it can give you the best starting place! 

If you’re not ready to take the online assessment, grab a copy of my book Turn Autism Around . You can get the first two chapters free or look for it at your local library. 

Myth #3: “There’s Not Enough Time in the Day to Help”

Some families feel overwhelmed by the idea of 20–40 hours of ABA therapy per week and assume they can’t make an impact without a huge time investment. Even driving to speech, OT and other therapies can seem daunting.

The Truth: Small, consistent actions can change everything.

Even 15 minutes a day of focused, child-friendly strategies can move the needle. You don’t need a full ABA or therapy team to get started.

My approach blends the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with practical, real-life parenting. It’s fun, easy to implement, and it works.

Level 3 Autism Diagnosis? What You Can Do Right Now

📘 Download the first two chapters of Turn Autism Around for free at TurnAutismAround.com

🧠 Take the BECA Assessment at MaryBarbera.com/assessment

🎧 Prefer to listen? Try the Turn Autism Around audiobook with a free Audible trial.

level 3 autism. autism myths.

Can a Child’s Autism Level Change?

One of the most common—and important—questions parents ask is:

“Can my child move from Level 3 autism to Level 2 or even Level 1?”

The answer is yes, autism levels can change over time—especially with early and effective intervention.

The levels of autism defined in the DSM-5 are not permanent labels. They are descriptions of the current level of support a child needs, not a prediction of their lifelong potential. A toddler diagnosed with Level 3 autism may:

  • Learn to communicate more effectively

  • Reduce problem behaviors

  • Gain independence in daily living skills

  • Eventually need less support overall

👉 That’s why early action is so critical.
With the right strategies—even just 15 minutes a day—you can help your child build skills that reduce their need for support and improve their quality of life.

In my experience, I’ve seen many toddlers diagnosed with Level 3 autism make tremendous progress, including some who no longer meet the criteria for an autism diagnosis later on. Others still meet the criteria but move to Level 2 or Level 1 support needs as they grow.

The key is to start now—you don’t need to wait for more services or a perfect plan. You just need a starting point, and that’s where tools like the BECA assessment and my online courses come in.

Want to Learn how to Increase Talking & Decrease Tantrums in Children with Autism or Toddlers Showing Signs?

Want to start making a difference for your child or clients?

I’m Ready to Learn!

Top 5 FAQ Level 3 Autism

Level 3 autism is the most severe classification under the DSM-5. It indicates that a child needs very substantial support in areas like communication, social interaction, and daily living. However, this level can change with the right interventions.

Yes, with early and consistent intervention, many children show significant progress. Some may eventually require less support and move to a lower level—or no longer meet the criteria for an autism diagnosis at all.

No. You can immediately begin using simple tools like the BECA assessment and resources from the Turn Autism Around® approach. A diagnosis can help access services, but it’s not a requirement for making progress at home.

While 20–40 hours a week of ABA therapy is often recommended, even 15 minutes a day using practical, play-based strategies can make a difference. The key is consistency and starting as soon as possible. 

Ultimately, we want kids engaged most of their waking hours with their caregivers, and I can teach you how to do this. 

Coping starts with education, support, and action. Focus on what you can do now—like completing an initial assessment, using step-by-step strategies, and building small daily routines. Surround yourself with supportive professionals and other families, and remember: progress is possible, and you’re not alone.