swiss medicaSevere autism, also referred to as ‘Level 3 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD),’ represents the most intense form of autism. It is characterized by profound challenges in social interaction, behavior, and daily functioning. People with Level 3 ASD often have limited verbal abilities and may display repetitive behaviors or heightened sensory sensitivities.
The family plays an especially important role in supporting individuals with severe autism symptoms, helping them adapt to changing needs and supporting their independence at various stages of life.
In this article, we will thoroughly explore the question, “What is the most severe form of autism?” We will discuss how it manifests in real life and the challenges that families and patients with this form of autism face.
Understanding the Autism Spectrum: Core Characteristics and Distinctive Traits
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and behavior. The used term ‘spectrum’ reflects the wide range of struggles experienced by individuals with autism.
The spectrum nature of autism does not mean that people of the same level are alike. One person can excel in academics but cannot communicate with people around them, while another might face the opposite challenges. Autism is a disorder that requires an individualized approach.
Exploring Autism Severity: From Level 1 to Level 3—the Highest Level of Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is classified into three levels based on the severity of symptoms and the degree of support needed. The highest level of autism is the third one.
Each level, outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), helps every specialist who works with symptoms of severe autism understand the way autism affects an individual and guide the development of personalized care plans. The level is the explanation of distinct challenges in social communication and behavior of the person with autism.
Key Differences Between the Levels
| Aspect | Level 1 (Mild) | Level 2 (Moderate) | Level 3 (Severe) |
| Communication | Fluent but socially awkward. | Limited verbal speech or uncommon communication modes. | Non-verbal or very limited language. |
| Social Interaction | Struggles with nuance. | Significant difficulties. | Minimal to no interest in others. |
| Behavioral Challenges | Mild repetitive actions. | Noticeable and distracting behaviors. | Intense, rigid, and self-injurious. |
| Support Needs | Occasional support. | Substantial and regular support. | Constant, hands-on support. |
Level 1
Level 1 represents the mildest form of autism. A person with Level 1 ASD typically has higher-functioning cognitive abilities and social skills, as opposed to more severe forms. They may speak fluently but struggle to maintain a two-way conversation, interpret social cues, or understand humor.
Individuals with Level 1 autism often show a strong preference for routines and specific interests but can adapt to some changes with support. Furthermore, they generally have the potential to lead independent lives, especially with appropriate guidance and accommodations.
Level 2
People with Level 2 ASD have more pronounced challenges in both verbal and non-verbal communication. Key characteristics include repetitive action and restricted interests, which tend to be more noticeable and may interfere with daily life.
Individuals often use simple language and have difficulty understanding or responding to social cues. They require substantial support as they have visible difficulties in various areas.
Level 3
This level represents the so-called ‘extreme autism’. Although this is not an official medical term, it can be used to talk about the most severe autism cases.
What does severe autism look like in comparison to other forms? This type of autism is characterized by serious problems in communication, behavior and daily living skills. People with the highest level of autism have minimal interest in social interactions, sometimes avoiding them altogether. They have no capacity to initiate contact or respond to the emotions of others.
Lack of understanding of social norms is also one of the signs of the most severe autism. People with extreme severe autism need the support the most because there are troubles with basic tasks such as eating, hygiene, and dressing.
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What Is the Highest Level of Autism: Recognizing the Symptoms of Severe Autism
What is severe autism in real life? A distant, reflective gaze, limited facial expressions, and a lack of emotional responsiveness are some of the cognitive and emotional difficulties that are frequently linked to a person with severe autism. This can create an overwhelming sense of indifference, making it difficult for them to engage with the world. It’s important to recognize the symptoms early and give tailored support.
Key Behavioral Signs of Severe Autism
Severe ASD has a lot of signs that help to understand a person’s condition and give them special attention and support.
Repetitive Movements
Intensive rocking, spinning, or flapping hands.
Self-Injurious Behavior
Head-banging, biting, or scratching oneself, often triggered by frustration or sensory overload.
Change-intolerance
It’s extremely difficult to adjust to changes in routine or environment, which often leads to breakdowns.
Limited interaction
Lack of interest in imaginative games with peers. Concentration of attention on specific objects or actions.
Fixations
An obsessive interest in particular topics, objects, or sensory experiences that may dominate a person’s attention.
Communication Challenges and Non-Verbal Behavior
Struggles with verbal expression and understanding of social cues can create significant barriers in everyday interactions with people. Non-verbal behaviors such as gestures, facial expressions or body language are often a key way of expressing needs.
| Aspect | Description |
| Nonverbal Communication | Relying on alternative communication methods such as picture-sharing systems or assistive devices. |
| Understanding | Difficulty processing even simple instructions or questions. |
| Limited Expressive Communication | Hard to understand needs, express emotions, or discomfort, which can lead to frustration or breakdowns. |
| Unconventional Communication | Use of gestures, sounds, or echolalia (repeating phrases or words) as a way of communicating. |
Unique Cognitive and Learning Challenges
Children with severe autism need more help than their peers. They can respect and value their coach and understand the importance of learning. Adults with the most severe autism face significant challenges, yet they often demonstrate the ability to grasp and understand a wide range of concepts.
| Aspect | Description |
| Delayed Milestones | Severe autism leads to delays in speech, motor skills, and cognitive development compared to peers. |
| Attention and Focus Issues | Short attention spans or increased focus on specific interests, which affects the ability to learn in an organized way. |
| Dependence on Structure | Learning is most effective in a highly structured environment with predictable routines and clear instructions. |
| Difficulty with Generalization | Difficulty applying learned skills in new or changing environments, requiring repeated training. |
| Skill Development | Strong ability in certain areas (e.g., puzzles or memory) that require analytical thinking. Difficulty solving problems or using abstract thinking. |
Severe Autism in Adults: Sensory Sensitivities and How They Impact Daily Life
Doctors characterize sensory sensitivity as an increased or decreased response to stimuli that can have significant effects on daily life, affecting anything from routine activities to emotional well-being. This condition is prevalent among autistic individuals, with estimates suggesting that between 69% and 93% may experience some form of sensory processing difference.
| Aspect | Description |
| Hyper-Sensitivity | Overreaction to sensory stimuli like bright lights, loud noises, or certain textures, causing distress or avoidance behaviors. |
| Hypo-Sensitivity | Seeking intense sensory input by touching, smelling, or pressing objects forcefully. |
What Is Severe Autism: Understanding the Causes and Risk Factors
Severe autism is influenced by a complex of two factors: genetics and environment. Understanding them is vital for early identification and intervention.
Genetic Factors Associated with Severe Autism
Genetic factors, which include mutations or variations in certain genes, are strongly associated with the cause of severe autism. A family history of autism or related developmental disorders greatly increases the chances of severe autism.
Environmental Triggers and Their Role in Autism Severity
Exposure to toxins, maternal infections, or complications during childbirth might increase the severity of autism. Below are the factors that may increase the risk:
- Advanced parental age
- Maternal obesity
- Gestational diabetes
- Immune disorders.
Understanding the Intersection of Genetics and Environment
The so-called ’worst type of autism’ can be the result of a complex interplay between genetic and environmental influences. Genetic mutations establish a biological foundation. Environmental factors shape the severity and manifest over time as severe autism symptoms.
Severe Autism and Co-Occurring Conditions
Severe autism spectrum disorder often occurs with other conditions that can affect an individual’s general health and require supplementary care and support. What is the ‘worst’ type of autism? Here’s the list of conditions and disorders that are commonly associated with it:
- Altered Intelligence
- Epilepsy (Seizures)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Sensory Processing Disorder
- Anxiety Disorders (e.g., Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety)
- Depression
- Gastrointestinal Disorders (e.g., constipation, diarrhea, reflux)
- Sleep Disorders
- Self-Injurious Behavior (e.g., hitting oneself, scratching)
- Language and Communication Disorders
- Motor Coordination Issues (e.g., difficulties with movement coordination)
- Tic Disorders (e.g., Tourette Syndrome)
Daily Life with Severe Autism
People with severe autism may face difficulties in their daily lives. These difficulties may not be obvious to others, but they are meaningful to the person and require understanding and support.
People with severe autism symptoms are usually highlighted by difficulty with daily routines:
- personal hygiene
- dressing
- eating.
The tasks described above often require specialized care and some adaptive strategies to ensure independence and comfort for people with severe autism spectrum disorder. While changing habits can cause anxiety for them, providing support can help prevent meltdowns and ease their discomfort.
Social interaction is a high-level challenge in this case. People with severe autism symptoms have difficulty forming relationships. Misunderstanding humor, emotions, and other social cues leads to social isolation or frustration.
Academic and Work
Academic and work settings are full of challenges for individuals with severe ASD. The major barriers are learning and performing tasks. This may be due to difficulty concentrating, limited verbal communication, or the need for a highly structured environment, requiring customized educational plans or workplace accommodations to support success.
Treatment and Management Options for Severe Autism
Treatment for severe autism usually involves a combination of therapies that address behavioral, social, and communication problems. An educator’s daily work with the child’s behavior, skills in combination with medication therapy are the traditional therapies, but recently there are many new approaches that are showing results and are constantly being studied. One such management option is regenerative medicine and stem cells.
Stem Cell Therapy and Severe Autism: Current Perspectives
Stem cell therapy is an innovative way of treating severe autism using the regenerative immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). It may be effective for all level of autism.
How Stem Cell Therapy Works
The treatment primarily involves the use of adult mesenchymal stromal cells sourced from the placenta and umbilical cord. These cells have immunomodulatory properties, which help reduce inflammation and regulate immune responses, crucial for managing autism.
Intravenous injections are the main method of stem cell delivery, using donor mesenchymal stem cells from the umbilical cord and placenta as a safer alternative to embryonic stem cells.
Additionally, Swiss Medica incorporates a new approach by using exosomes and macrophages in the management of autism.
Potential Benefits and Risks of Stem Cell Treatment for Autism
Research into stem cell transplants for autism has shown promising results. Studies have reported significant improvements in social interaction, communication, and behavior. Additionally, brain metabolism has improved. The safety profile of the treatment remained favorable, with only mild side effects.
Communication Skills
Stem cell transplant for autism may improves social functioning and communication. Typically, children treated with stem cells show increased attention to social cues, which is a positive indication of improved concentration. Over time, this can lead to improvements in their ability to articulate thoughts and communicate more effectively with others.
Behavioral Changes
Another area where positive changes are seen in many patients is a reduction in stereotypic behaviors and overall behavioral challenges. Many patients experience fewer tantrums and better behavior regulation after stem cell treatments, which helps them function daily. These improvements make life easier for patients and their families.
Improved Concentration
Stem cell therapy improves brain connectivity, which in turn supports better cognitive function, allowing people with autism to retain information longer and focus on tasks at hand, making daily activities and learning more manageable and effective.
What to Know Before Considering Stem Cell Therapy
Before considering stem cell therapy, it’s crucial to understand what the most severe form of autism entails, as treatment approaches and outcomes can vary significantly based on the severity of the condition. At Swiss Medica, we don’t promise a cure, but we help people slow the progression of symptoms and achieve the best possible recovery—approximately 80% of our patients report positive changes.
Book a free online consultation to discuss your problem with one of our doctors, and learn more about stem cell therapy.
The Role of Family in Managing Severe Autism
We know what autism is, but we don’t know how autism feels from the inside. That’s why family members play a crucial role in addressing the unique needs and experiences of their loved ones with severe autism symptoms. They may do so by giving stability and security and creating structure and routine. In most cases, the family advocates on behalf of their loved ones to access necessary medical and educational services and protection of rights.
Myths and Misconceptions About Severe Autism
Severe autism, sometimes referred to as ‘extreme severe autism,’ as discussed above, still leaves many questions and misunderstandings in society that can lead to myth and stigma.
Myth 1: Autism is the same for everyone.
Autism exists on a spectrum, and its severity and manifestation vary widely among individuals with it. But what does severe autism look like? For some, it may involve intellectual disabilities, while others might have average or even above-average intelligence but still face significant challenges with social communication.
Myth2: People with severe autism are intellectually disabled.
Autism has nothing to do with intelligence. It is a complex process that inhibits the functions of using intelligence in the way we are used to seeing in people without autism, resulting in altered intelligence.
Myth 3: People with severe autism cannot communicate at all.
People with severe autism may not talk much, but they can often communicate through gestures and facial expressions. Some may also develop speech with the right support.
Myth 4: People with severe autism do not experience emotions or feelings.
People with signs of severe autism do experience emotions, but they may express them differently. This can lead to misunderstandings, as their emotional responses may not align with societal expectations, even though their feelings are just as valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the ‘worst’ level of autism?
While Level 3 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is associated with the most severe challenges, including limited verbal communication, difficulty with social interactions, and heightened sensitivity to sensory input, referring to it as the ‘worst type of autism’ is both inaccurate and unhelpful. Such labeling can be stigmatizing and overlooks the strengths and unique qualities individuals with Level 3 autism may possess. It is important to approach autism with understanding, recognizing the diverse experiences of individuals at every level of the spectrum.
2. How long do people with severe autism live?
Studies show a negative correlation between severe autism and lifespan compared to the general population. According to estimates, those who have severe autism or Level 3 have a lifespan of approximately 39 to 58 years.
3. Does Swiss Medica treat adult people with severe ASD?
Stem cells for autism treatment can be used and may even carry potential benefits for adults. However, the younger the patient, the more favorable the potential outcome. We recommend booking a free consultation to determine whether you could benefit from this innovative treatment.
4. What are the side effects of stem cell therapy?
The risk associated with using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) is generally low. MSCs reduce the likelihood of an immune response and subsequent rejection. A mild fever, nausea, or general malaise may occur after therapy, but it usually goes away on its own. These side effects occur in 5% of cases.
5. Does stem cell therapy cause cancer?
The use of embryonic cells carries a potential risk of cancer development. In contrast, MSCs derived from adult tissues do not have the ability to form tumors. That’s why we exclusively use MSCs at Swiss Medica, prioritizing both safety and ethical standards to protect our patients from any potential harm.
Contact us
Complete the form for a free online consultation, and our medical expert will guide you through how this innovative treatment could support your child’s or loved one’s development.
Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor
List of References
What to Know About Severe Autism. Verywell Mind, 2022. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-to-know-about-severe-autism-6665725
What is Profound Autism? Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/what-is-profound-autism/
Levels of Autism. Autism Speaks. https://www.autismspeaks.org/levels-of-autism
Waizbard-Bartov E, Fein D, Lord C, Amaral DG. Autism severity and its relationship to disability. Autism Res. 2023. doi.org/10.1002/aur.2898.PMC10500663 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10500663/
Why Children with Severe Autism Are Overlooked by Science. The Transmitter, 2023. https://www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/why-children-severe-autism-overlooked-by-science/
Autism Life Expectancy. Autism Parenting Magazine, 2021. https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-life-expectancy/
Smith DaWalt L, Hong J, Greenberg JS, Mailick MR. Mortality in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: Predictors over a 20-year period. Autism. 2019. doi.org/10.1177/1362361319827412 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6713622/
Mesa Bedoya LE, Camacho Barbosa JC, López Quiceno L, Barrios Arroyave F, Halpert K, España Peña JA, Salazar Uribe JC. The safety profile of mesenchymal stem cell therapy administered through intrathecal injections for treating neurological disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2024. doi.org/10.1186/s13287-024-03748-7 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11103979/
MD, Pediatrician, Regenerative Medicine Specialist
