Autism tier 3

What is tier 3 Autism Spectrum Disorder

“ASD level 3 is characterized by severe challenges in social communication as well as extremely inflexible behavior. Children with level 3 autism will be nonverbal or have the use of only a few words of intelligible speech. Initiation of social interaction is very limited, as well as response to others. An individual at this level may interact with others abnormally, and only to meet immediate needs. Individuals with level 3 autism exhibit marked inflexibility of behavior, with extreme difficulty coping with changes to routine. At this level, restrictive or repetitive behaviors interfere with the individual’s ability to function. Changing focus from one activity to another may come at great difficulty and cause significant distress.”
https://theplaceforchildrenwithautism.com/diagnosing-autism/the-three-levels-of-autism#:~:text=ASD%20Level%203%3A%20Requiring%20Very,few%20words%20of%20intelligible%20speech.

For Braden this means a lot of things: Braden is considered non verbal / speech development delayed but he does know some basic words and can do some basic signing, especially when it comes to food. This boy has a love for eating whether it be crackers, donuts, or tacos!

For Braden this also means he requires full personal care, he does not have the ability to toilet or wash himself. He also can not go get his own food it must all be prepared and cut for him, and at times he needs assistance with feeding.

Braden also really struggles with change or fast transitions. For example we are going to meet up with friends at a park which is a desired activity, it may take 15-20 minutes to get him to transition to the car without behaviors like screaming. Then at the park he will be happy and love his time , but when it’s time to go, that is a no no. Leaving any desired activity or sometimes leaving the car to go inside , is a big stressor for Braden and often leaves him very upset and we have to take our time before loading siblings in car to make sure it is a safe transition for all.

Many people don’t realize the toll tier 3 Autism takes on the families, it is an every day battle and you never know which end your on , if your winning or losing. Some days may go very well, other days everything feels like it’s about to explode. And some days you just can’t wait for it to be bed time so you can take a moment to just breathe.

In a nutshell , this is what autism means to Braden.