LEVEL 2

Autism Level 2 means a person needs moderate support in daily life.
They may communicate, learn, and function independently in some areas, but often find social interaction, change, and sensory environments challenging.

With the right support, people with Autism Level 2 can live meaningful, fulfilling, and productive lives.

Autism levels describe the amount of support needed, not intelligence or worth.

They are used to help:

• Plan education and care
   
• Access appropriate services
   
• Understand individual needs
   
• Provide tailored support
   

Levels can change over time.

People with Level 2 autism may:

• Find starting or maintaining conversations difficult
   
• Use limited eye contact or facial expression
   
• Struggle with understanding social rules
   
• Find group situations overwhelming
   
• Prefer familiar people and routines
   

They may want friendships but find them hard to manage.

Changes can be challenging.

Common experiences include:

• Strong preference for routines
   
• Distress when plans change
   
• Need for clear structure
   
• Difficulty switching between tasks
   

Predictability reduces anxiety.

Sensory differences are common.

People may be sensitive to:

• Loud noise
   
• Bright lights
   
• Crowds
   
• Certain textures
   
• Strong smells
   

These can cause overload.

Many people with Level 2 autism:

• Can learn well with structured teaching
   
• Benefit from visual supports
   
• May need help with organisation
   
• May struggle with time management
   
• Need support with independence skills
   

Support helps strengths shine.

People may benefit from:

• Social skills support
   
• Communication therapy
   
• Educational support plans
   
• Occupational therapy
   
• Sensory accommodations
   
• Mental health support
   

Support should be personalised.

People with Autism Level 2 often have:

• Strong memory
   
• Deep interests
   
• Honesty and loyalty
   
• Attention to detail
   
• Creative or technical talents
   

Support unlocks potential.

Autism Level 2 means needing moderate support, not limited ability.
With understanding, structure, and encouragement, people with Level 2 autism can thrive.

Everyone deserves opportunity and respect.         

Many people with Autism Level 2 find two-way conversation challenging.
They may be able

 to speak and understand language, but taking turns, staying on topic, and responding naturally in conversations can be difficult.

This is not a lack of interest — it reflects differences in social communication.

Limited back-and-forth conversation may be linked to:

• Difficulty processing social information quickly
   
• Challenges understanding unspoken rules of conversation
   
• Anxiety in social situations
   
• Trouble reading facial expressions or tone
   
• Needing more time to think before responding
   

Conversation can feel mentally exhausting.

People with Level 2 autism may:

• Give short or one-word answers
   
• Talk mainly about favourite topics
   
• Struggle to ask follow-up questions
   
• Miss cues to take turns
   
• Find group conversations overwhelming
   
• Prefer written communication
   

Every person is different.

Conversation difficulties can lead to:

• Feeling misunderstood
   
• Social isolation
   
• Reduced confidence
   
• Anxiety about speaking
   
• Avoidance of social situations
   

Support makes a difference.

Ways to support communication include:

• Speak clearly and calmly
   
• Ask specific, open questions
   
• Allow extra time to respond
   
• Avoid interrupting
   
• Use visual or written prompts
   
• Practise conversations gently
   
• Encourage without pressure
   

Patience builds confidence.

Limited back-and-forth conversation is a common feature of Autism Level 2.
With understanding, structured support, and encouragement, communication skills can grow and confidence can improve.

Every voice matters

Many autistic people use echolalia, which means repeating words, phrases, or sounds they have heard.
This may include repeating what others say, lines from films, songs, or familiar expressions.

Echolalia is a form of communication, not a behaviour that should automatically be stopped.

Echolalia can occur because:

• It helps process language
   
• It supports understanding
   
• It reduces anxiety
   
• It provides comfort and predictability
   
• It helps express needs or emotions
   
• It supports memory and learning
   

For many people, it is a coping strategy.

Repeating words straight after hearing them.

Repeating phrases hours, days, or weeks later (often from TV, songs, or past conversations).

Both are meaningful.

People may use echolalia to:

• Answer questions
   
• Show interest
   
• Ask for something
   
• Self-soothe
   
• Express emotions
   
• Join social interaction
   

It often has purpose.

Helpful ways to respond include:

• Listen for meaning behind the words
   
• Respond calmly and positively
   
• Model simple, clear language
   
• Offer alternative phrases gently
   
• Avoid criticism or punishment
   
• Encourage communication in any form
   

Respect builds confidence.

Repetition and echolalia are valid communication tools for many autistic people.
With understanding and supportive guidance, echolalia can develop into more flexible communication over time.

All communication deserves respect

Many people with Autism Level 2 understand language in a very literal way.
This means they often take words exactly as they are said and may find jokes, sarcasm, idioms, or hidden meanings confusing.

This reflects a different way of processing language, not a lack of intelligence.

Literal thinking may be linked to:

• Difficulty interpreting implied meaning
   
• Challenges reading tone of voice or facial expression
   
• Preference for clear, precise information
   
• Slower processing of abstract language
   
• Reduced awareness of social “subtext”
   

Clear language feels safer and easier.

People with Level 2 autism may:

• Take jokes seriously
   
• Miss sarcasm
   
• Be confused by phrases like “It’s raining cats and dogs”
   
• Follow instructions very exactly
   
• Ask for clarification often
   
• Feel upset if words are misleading
   

They rely on accuracy.

Literal understanding can lead to:

• Misunderstandings in conversation
   
• Frustration or embarrassment
   
• Anxiety about “getting it wrong”
   
• Difficulty in social situations
   
• Challenges at school or work
   

Support reduces stress.

Ways to help include:

• Use clear, direct language
   
• Avoid sarcasm and vague hints
   
• Explain jokes or expressions
   
• Check understanding gently
   
• Use examples and visuals
   
• Encourage questions
   

Clarity builds confidence.

Literal understanding of language is a common feature of Autism Level 2.
With clear communication and patient support, misunderstandings can be reduced and confiden

Many people with Autism Level 2 find it difficult to recognise, understand, and explain their emotions or physical discomfort.

They may feel upset, anxious, tired, or in pain but struggle to put these feelings into words.
This is a communication difference, not a lack of feeling.

Difficulty expressing emotions or discomfort may be linked to:

• Trouble identifying internal body signals
   
• Limited emotional vocabulary
   
• Anxiety about expressing feelings
   
• Difficulty processing emotions quickly
   
• Fear of being misunderstood
   

Feelings may be intense but hard to describe.

People with Level 2 autism may:

• Say “I’m fine” when they are not
   
• Show distress through behaviour instead of words
   
• Become withdrawn or irritable
   
• Have sudden emotional outbursts
   
• Struggle to explain pain or illness
   
• Find it hard to ask for help
   

Behaviour is often communication.

This difficulty can lead to:

• Unmet physical or emotional needs
   
• Increased anxiety or frustration
   
• Delayed medical or emotional support
   
• Feeling misunderstood
   
• Reduced self-confidence
   

Support makes a difference.

Ways to help include:

• Use emotion charts or visual scales
   
• Offer simple choices (“Are you tired or worried?”)
   
• Observe behaviour and body language
   
• Encourage journaling, drawing, or typing
   
• Create safe spaces to talk
   
• Respond calmly and patiently
   

Understanding builds trust.

Struggling to explain emotions or discomfort is a common feature of Autism Level 2.
With patient listening, visual supports, and emotional safety, people can learn to express their needs more confidently over time.

Every feeling matters.

Many people with Autism Level 2 understand information best when it is given in short, clear, and simple sentences.

Long explanations, complex wording, or too much information at once can feel overwhelming and confusing.

Clear communication reduces stress and improves understanding.

Using short, clear sentences helps because:

• It is easier to process quickly
   
• It reduces mental overload
   
• It prevents misunderstanding
   
• It supports focus and attention
   
• It makes expectations clearer
   

Simple language feels safer.

❌ Too long:
“Before you go upstairs, make sure you tidy your room, put your clothes away, and remember to brush your teeth.”

✅ Short and clear:
“Please tidy your room.
Then brush your teeth.
Then come downstairs.”

Clear sentences help with:

• Following instructions
   
• Reducing anxiety
   
• Improving cooperation
   
• Building confidence
   
• Supporting independence
   
• Preventing frustration
   

Clarity creates calm.

• Use one idea per sentence
   
• Speak calmly and slowly
   
• Avoid extra words
   
• Give steps in order
   
• Check understanding gently
   
• Use visual supports if helpful
   

Kindness matters.

Using short, clear sentences is a powerful support tool for people with Autism Level 2.
It helps them understand, respond, and feel confident in daily communication.

Simple words. Strong support.

Many people with Autism Level 2 find it easier to make decisions when they are given two clear choices instead of many options.

Too many choices can feel overwhelming and may cause anxiety, shutdown, or avoidance.

Simple choices support confidence and independence.

Giving two options helps because:

• It reduces mental overload
   
• It makes decisions clearer
   
• It lowers anxiety
   
• It prevents frustration
   
• It supports problem-solving
   
• It encourages independence
   

Fewer options feel safer.

❌ Too many choices:
“What do you want to do now — watch TV, play games, draw, go outside, read, or rest?”

✅ Two clear choices:
“Would you like to read or rest?”
“Do you want apple or banana?”
“Shall we walk now or after lunch?”

Using two choices helps with:

• Daily routines
   
• Mealtimes
   
• School and homework
   
• Personal care
   
• Social activities
   
• Transitions
   

Choice builds control.

• Make sure both choices are acceptable
   
• Say them clearly and calmly
   
• Use visuals if helpful
   
• Give time to decide
   
• Respect the choice
   
• Avoid adding extra options later
   

Consistency matters.

Giving two clear choices is a simple but powerful strategy for supporting people with Autism Level 2.
It reduces overwhelm, builds confidence, and encourages positive decision-making.

Two choices. Less stress.

People with Autism Level 2 often need more time to understand, think, and respond to information. This is not a lack of intelligence — it is simply a different way of processing.

With patience and the right support, they can communicate, learn, and succeed very well.

Someone with Level 2 autism may:

• Need longer to understand spoken instructions
   
• Take time to organise thoughts before replying
   
• Feel overwhelmed if rushed
   
• Struggle when given too much information at once
   
• Become anxious under pressure
   

Giving time helps them feel safe, confident, and respected.

• Speak slowly and clearly
   
• Give one instruction at a time
   
• Wait calmly after speaking
   
• Avoid repeating too quickly
   
• Use visual reminders (charts, notes, pictures)
   

• Allow extra time for answers
   
• Provide written instructions
   
• Give breaks between tasks
   
• Check understanding gently
   
• Reduce noise and distractions
   

• Give advance notice of tasks
   
• Send information in writing
   
• Allow quiet thinking time
   
• Avoid putting them “on the spot”
   
• Be patient during conversations
   

✔️ Say: “Take your time.”
✔️ Say: “There’s no rush.”
✔️ Say: “Let me know when you’re ready.”
❌ Avoid: “Hurry up.”
❌ Avoid: “You should know this.”

Kind words reduce stress and build trust.

When given proper time, people with Autism Level 2 can:

✨ Think more clearly
✨ Communicate better
✨ Feel less anxious
✨ Make better decisions
✨ Show their true abilities

Patience unlocks potential.

Extra time is not special treatment — it is fair support.
 

When we slow down, we help people with autism move forward.

People with Autism Level 2 often understand information better when they can see it.
Visual supports reduce confusion, anxiety, and overwhelm.

One of the most helpful tools is the:

“Now / Next / Later” Visual System
 

It shows what is happening now, what comes next, and what will happen later.

This system helps because many autistic people:

• Think visually
   
• Feel anxious about the unknown
   
• Struggle with sudden changes
   
• Need clear structure
   
• Prefer predictable routines
   

Seeing the plan makes life feel safe and manageable.

It is a simple visual chart with three parts:

NOWNEXTLATERWhat is happening right nowWhat will happen soonWhat will happen after 

• Now: Breakfast
   
• Next: Get dressed
   
• Later: Go to school
   

This gives reassurance and motivation.

• Morning routine chart
   
• Bedtime routine chart
   
• Mealtime schedule
   
• Homework plan
   

Example:
🕗 Now: Brush teeth
➡️ Next: Put pyjamas on
🌙 Later: Story & sleep

• Lesson sequence
   
• Task order
   
• Break times
   
• Transition planning
   

Example:
📘 Now: Reading
✏️ Next: Writing
🎮 Later: Break time

• Job task order
   
• Appointment schedule
   
• Travel planning
   
• Meeting structure
   

Example:
🗂️ Now: Emails
📞 Next: Meeting
☕ Later: Break

✔️ Use clear pictures or icons
✔️ Use large, simple words
✔️ Keep it visible
✔️ Update it regularly
✔️ Celebrate when tasks are done

You can use:

• Whiteboards
   
• Laminated cards
   
• Tablets
   
• Phone apps
   
• Wall charts
   

Using “Now / Next / Later” helps:

✨ Reduce anxiety
✨ Improve focus
✨ Support independence
✨ Prevent meltdowns
✨ Build confidence

Structure brings calm.

When autistic people can see their day, they can trust their day.
 

Visuals turn fear into understanding.

Many people with Autism Level 2 find it hard to understand facial expressions, voice tone, and body language.

They may not always know if someone is:

• Happy 😄
   
• Angry 😠
   
• Joking 😅
   
• Serious 😐
   
• Upset 😢
   

This is not rudeness or lack of care — it is a difference in social perception.

People with Level 2 autism may:

• Focus more on words than expressions
   
• Miss subtle changes in tone
   
• Find faces confusing or overwhelming
   
• Struggle with mixed signals
   
• Need more time to interpret emotions
   

They often rely on clear language, not hidden meanings.

Because of this difficulty, they may:

• Misunderstand jokes or sarcasm
   
• Think someone is angry when they are not
   
• Miss signs of boredom or stress
   
• Appear “unresponsive” emotionally
   
• Feel embarrassed or anxious in social settings
   

This can affect friendships and confidence.

✔️ Say what you mean
✔️ Avoid sarcasm
✔️ Be honest and direct
✔️ Explain feelings in words

Example:
Instead of: “Fine.” (angry tone)
Say: “I feel upset right now.”

• Talk about emotions openly
   
• Use emotion charts
   
• Practise expressions in a mirror
   
• Watch shows and discuss feelings
   
• Reassure often
   

• Teach emotion vocabulary
   
• Use social stories
   
• Role-play situations
   
• Explain teacher’s tone
   
• Give private feedback
   

• Give feedback in writing
   
• Be clear about expectations
   
• Avoid indirect hints
   
• Offer gentle explanations
   
• Encourage questions
   

📘 Emotion cards
📱 Feelings apps
🪞 Mirror practice
🧩 Social skills games
📊 Visual emotion charts

These tools make emotions easier to understand.

Many people with Autism Level 2 are:

✨ Honest
✨ Loyal
✨ Sincere
✨ Non-judgemental
✨ Deeply caring

They may show love through actions, not expressions.

Not reading faces does not mean not feeling hearts.
 

Autistic people feel deeply — they just express it differently.

People with Autism Level 2 may sometimes withdraw, become quiet, or shut down when they feel overwhelmed.

This is not rudeness, laziness, or rejection.
It is a self-protection response to too much stress.

When overwhelmed, an autistic person may be experiencing:

• Too much noise or movement
   
• Bright lights or strong smells
   
• Social pressure
   
• Too many instructions
   
• Emotional overload
   
• Sudden changes
   

Their brain becomes overloaded, and they need space to recover.

When overwhelmed, they may:

• Stop talking
   
• Avoid eye contact
   
• Sit alone
   
• Go very quiet
   
• Leave the room
   
• Put on headphones
   
• Focus on one object
   
• Appear “distant”
   

Inside, they are often feeling anxious, tired, or confused.

✔️ Say: “It’s okay. Take your time.”
✔️ Say: “I’m here when you’re ready.”
❌ Don’t force talking
❌ Don’t demand eye contact
❌ Don’t argue

Gentle support works best.

• Create a calm “quiet space”
   
• Allow alone time
   
• Reduce noise and screens
   
• Offer comfort items
   
• Keep routines predictable
   

• Provide a safe break area
   
• Allow short time-outs
   
• Reduce classroom pressure
   
• Give written instructions
   
• Watch early stress signs
   

• Allow quiet breaks
   
• Offer flexible spaces
   
• Reduce sudden demands
   
• Give advance notice
   
• Respect recovery time
   

🎧 Noise-cancelling headphones
🪀 Fidget tools
🛋️ Quiet corner
📋 Visual schedules
🧘 Calm breathing cards

These tools prevent overload before it becomes severe.

Withdrawal usually means:

❤️ “I am overwhelmed.”
❤️ “I need rest.”
❤️ “I am trying to cope.”
❤️ “Please be patient.”

It is a sign of strength — choosing self-care.

Silence is sometimes a form of survival, not rejection.
 

With understanding, calm returns

For many people with Autism Level 2, small misunderstandings can quickly turn into worry, fear, or anxiety.

Because communication and social situations can be challenging, not knowing what someone really meant can feel frightening and unsafe.

Autistic people may:

• Take words very literally
   
• Miss tone or facial cues
   
• Struggle with unclear messages
   
• Overthink conversations
   
• Fear “getting it wrong”
   
• Remember past negative experiences
   

This makes uncertainty stressful.

Their mind searches for clarity and reassurance.

When misunderstandings happen, they may:

• Worry for hours or days
   
• Repeatedly ask for reassurance
   
• Withdraw socially
   
• Avoid similar situations
   
• Become tearful or tense
   
• Experience stomach aches or headaches
   
• Have trouble sleeping
   

Inside, they may feel confused and afraid.

✔️ Use simple, direct words
✔️ Explain intentions
✔️ Avoid hints and sarcasm
✔️ Check understanding
✔️ Encourage questions

Example:
Instead of: “We’ll see.”
Say: “I will tell you tomorrow.”

✔️ “You’re not in trouble.”
✔️ “You didn’t do anything wrong.”
✔️ “Let me explain.”
✔️ “It’s okay to ask.”

Reassurance builds emotional safety.

• Talk through problems calmly
   
• Replay situations together
   
• Practise problem-solving
   
• Praise honest questions
   
• Keep routines steady
   

• Give private feedback
   
• Clarify rules often
   
• Explain social situations
   
• Use social stories
   
• Support emotional check-ins
   

• Give written follow-ups
   
• Be specific with feedback
   
• Avoid vague criticism
   
• Offer supportive supervision
   
• Encourage open dialogue
   

🧘 Calm breathing cards
📘 Worry journals
📱 Anxiety apps
🪀 Fidget tools
🎧 Relaxing music playlists

(Perfect for your music wellbeing project 💙)

When supported, autistic people often become:

✨ More confident
✨ Better communicators
✨ Emotionally resilient
✨ Independent problem-solvers

Understanding reduces fear.

Clear words create calm minds.
 

When confusion is removed, anxiety fades.

For many people with Autism Level 2, being in groups — classrooms, meetings, family gatherings, social events — can be extremely tiring and overwhelming.

Even when they enjoy being with others, group environments often drain their energy.

In group settings, autistic people may need to:

• Listen to many voices at once
   
• Filter background noise
   
• Read facial expressions
   
• Understand changing topics
   
• Know when to speak
   
• Control sensory overload
   
• Manage anxiety
   

This requires intense mental effort.

It is like running a marathon in the mind.

After or during group time, they may:

• Become very quiet
   
• Seem irritable
   
• Withdraw socially
   
• Need long rest time
   
• Lose concentration
   
• Feel headaches or fatigue
   
• Experience shutdowns or meltdowns
   

This is not weakness — it is overload.

✔️ Allow listening without speaking
✔️ Don’t pressure participation
✔️ Give time to respond
✔️ Offer written options
✔️ Respect “no thank you”

• Plan short visits
   
• Allow early leaving
   
• Provide quiet rooms
   
• Prepare in advance
   
• Build in rest time
   

• Offer small-group work
   
• Provide quiet seating
   
• Allow breaks
   
• Reduce group pressure
   
• Give individual check-ins
   

• Allow remote or hybrid options
   
• Share agendas beforehand
   
• Limit long meetings
   
• Provide quiet workspaces
   
• Offer flexible participation
   

🎧 Noise-cancelling headphones
🪑 Quiet seating areas
📋 Meeting agendas
⏰ Break timers
📱 Note-taking apps

These tools protect mental energy.

Despite exhaustion, many people with Autism Level 2 are:

✨ Thoughtful listeners
✨ Deep thinkers
✨ Loyal teammates
✨ Honest contributors
✨ Highly observant

They may speak less — but think more.

Needing rest after social time is self-care, not selfishness. 

For many people with Autism Level 2, small misunderstandings can quickly turn into worry, fear, or anxiety.

Because communication and social situations can be challenging, not knowing what someone really meant can feel frightening and unsafe.

Autistic people may:

• Take words very literally
   
• Miss tone or facial cues
   
• Struggle with unclear messages
   
• Overthink conversations
   
• Fear “getting it wrong”
   
• Remember past negative experiences
   

This makes uncertainty stressful.

Their mind searches for clarity and reassurance.

When misunderstandings happen, they may:

• Worry for hours or days
   
• Repeatedly ask for reassurance
   
• Withdraw socially
   
• Avoid similar situations
   
• Become tearful or tense
   
• Experience stomach aches or headaches
   
• Have trouble sleeping
   

Inside, they may feel confused and afraid.

✔️ Use simple, direct words
✔️ Explain intentions
✔️ Avoid hints and sarcasm
✔️ Check understanding
✔️ Encourage questions

Example:
Instead of: “We’ll see.”
Say: “I will tell you tomorrow.”

✔️ “You’re not in trouble.”
✔️ “You didn’t do anything wrong.”
✔️ “Let me explain.”
✔️ “It’s okay to ask.”

Reassurance builds emotional safety.

• Talk through problems calmly
   
• Replay situations together
   
• Practise problem-solving
   
• Praise honest questions
   
• Keep routines steady
   

• Give private feedback
   
• Clarify rules often
   
• Explain social situations
   
• Use social stories
   
• Support emotional check-ins
   

• Give written follow-ups
   
• Be specific with feedback
   
• Avoid vague criticism
   
• Offer supportive supervision
   
• Encourage open dialogue
   

🧘 Calm breathing cards
📘 Worry journals
📱 Anxiety apps
🪀 Fidget tools
🎧 Relaxing music playlists

(Perfect for your music wellbeing project 💙)

When supported, autistic people often become:

✨ More confident
✨ Better communicators
✨ Emotionally resilient
✨ Independent problem-solvers

Understanding reduces fear.

Clear words create calm minds.
 

When confusion is removed, anxiety fades.
 

Energy must be protected.

Many people with Autism Level 2 understand social situations best when rules and expectations are explained clearly and directly.

Hinting, indirect comments, or “expecting them to notice” can be confusing and stressful.

Direct teaching builds confidence and success.

Direct social teaching helps because:

• Social rules are often hidden and unclear
   
• Tone, facial expressions, and hints may be missed
   
• Guessing social expectations causes anxiety
   
• Clear steps reduce mistakes and embarrassment
   
• Predictability supports emotional safety
   

Clarity removes pressure.

❌ Hinting:
“Some people don’t like it when you talk too much…”

✅ Direct:
“When someone else is talking, wait.
Then it is your turn.”

❌ Hinting:
“Maybe you should think about how they feel…”

✅ Direct:
“Look at their face.
If they look upset, speak quietly.”

Break skills into small steps:

Example: Joining a conversation
1️⃣ Look at the person
2️⃣ Wait for a pause
3️⃣ Say “Can I join?”
4️⃣ Listen
5️⃣ Take turns

Step-by-step works best.

• Use clear words
   
• Demonstrate the skill
   
• Practise together
   
• Use role-play
   
• Give gentle feedback
   
• Praise effort
   

Practice builds success.

Teaching social steps directly is a powerful support tool for people with Autism Level 2.
It reduces confusion, builds confidence, and helps create positive social experiences.

Clear steps. Strong confidence.

Role-play can be a helpful way to practise social and communication skills for people with Autism Level 2, but it works best when it is gentle, brief, and pressure-free.

Long or intense role-play sessions can feel overwhelming.
Short, calm practice builds confidence without causing stress.

Using role-play carefully helps because:

• It provides safe practice without real-life pressure
   
• It reduces fear of making mistakes
   
• It supports learning through repetition
   
• It builds familiarity with social situations
   
• It prevents emotional overload
   

Comfort supports learning.

Short sessions help to:

• Maintain focus and energy
   
• Prevent anxiety and shutdown
   
• Improve confidence gradually
   
• Encourage positive participation
   
• Make learning feel enjoyable
   

Small steps lead to progress.

Helpful ways to use role-play include:

• Keep sessions brief (5–10 minutes)
   
• Focus on one skill at a time
   
• Use real-life examples
   
• Stay calm and encouraging
   
• Allow breaks when needed
   

End on a positive note.

• Let the person choose when to practise
   
• Avoid forcing participation
   
• Use humour gently if appropriate
   
• Praise effort, not perfection
   
• Respect sensory and emotional limits
   

Trust builds confidence.

Using role-play gently and in short sessions helps people with Autism Level 2 practise skills safely, comfortably, and successfully.

Gentle practice. Lasting confidence.

(Hello, Goodbye, Asking for Help)

Many people with Autism Level 2 find social communication challenging.
Using predictable social scripts helps reduce anxiety and makes interactions feel safe and manageable.

These are simple, repeated phrases used in common situations.

Social scripts help by:

✅ Reducing confusion
✅ Lowering anxiety
✅ Supporting confidence
✅ Preventing misunderstandings
✅ Making conversations predictable
✅ Encouraging independence

They give the person ready-made words when thinking feels difficult.

Use the same phrase every time.

Examples:

🗣️ “Hello, how are you?”
🗣️ “Good morning.”
🗣️ “Hi, nice to see you.”
🗣️ “Hello, my name is ___.”

Practice daily at home.

These help end conversations calmly.

Examples:

🗣️ “Goodbye, see you later.”
🗣️ “Bye, have a nice day.”
🗣️ “I am going now. Goodbye.”
🗣️ “See you tomorrow.”

Very important for safety and confidence.

Examples:

🗣️ “Please help me.”
🗣️ “I don’t understand.”
🗣️ “Can you help me, please?”
🗣️ “I need help with this.”
🗣️ “Can you explain again?”

These should be practiced often.

Use short sentences.

❌ “Would you mind assisting me?”
✅ “Please help me.”

Create small cards with:

🖼️ Picture + Sentence

Example:

📘 [Picture of waving]
“Hello, how are you?”

Practice in safe places:

🏠 Home
🏫 School
🏬 Shops
🏥 Clinics

Role-play helps a lot.

Use scripts at the same time each day.

Example:

Morning → “Good morning”
Leaving → “Goodbye”
Homework → “Please help me”

Always respond positively:

💬 “Well done for asking.”
💬 “Great job saying hello.”

This builds confidence.

TimeSituationScriptMorningGreeting family“Good morning”SchoolGreeting teacher“Hello”LessonAsking help“Please help me”BreakTalking“Can I play?”LeavingGoodbye“See you later”  

✔ Be patient
✔ Speak slowly
✔ Use the same words
✔ Don’t rush replies
✔ Allow processing time
✔ Model the script yourself
✔ Avoid changing phrases too often

Consistency is key.

With practice, social scripts help people:

🌟 Communicate clearly
🌟 Feel safer in public
🌟 Build friendships
🌟 Reduce anxiety
🌟 Become more independent

People with Autism Level 2 can become overwhelmed when there is too much noise, activity, talking, or emotional pressure.

Safe breaks help prevent shutdowns, meltdowns, and anxiety.

They give the brain time to rest and reset.

Regular breaks help to:

✅ Reduce stress
✅ Prevent meltdowns
✅ Improve focus
✅ Support emotional regulation
✅ Build self-awareness
✅ Increase confidence
✅ Maintain learning and participation

Breaks are not laziness — they are essential support.

Look out for:

⚠️ Covering ears
⚠️ Rocking or pacing
⚠️ Becoming quiet or withdrawn
⚠️ Irritability
⚠️ Repeating words
⚠️ Faster breathing
⚠️ Fidgeting
⚠️ Avoiding eye contact

These mean: A break is needed now.

A safe break is:

✔ Quiet
✔ Predictable
✔ Comfortable
✔ Non-demanding
✔ Judgement-free
✔ Short and calming

It is a safe space to recover.

🛋️ Quiet bedroom
🎧 Headphones + calm music
🧸 Sensory corner
📖 Reading area

📘 Quiet room
🪑 Calm corner
🎧 Ear defenders
🧩 Sensory tools

🚗 Car break
🌳 Quiet bench
🚻 Bathroom break
🎧 Noise-cancelling headphones

Offer breaks:

⏰ Every 30–60 minutes (preventative)
⚡ At early stress signs
📢 After noisy/social activity
📚 Between tasks
😵 Before visible distress

Do not wait for a meltdown.

Teach simple phrases:

🗣️ “I need a break.”
🗣️ “Quiet please.”
🗣️ “Too much.”
🗣️ “Can I rest?”
🗣️ “I need calm.”

Visual cards help too.

🎧 Music
🧸 Fidget
🌊 Breathing
💆 Pressure blanket

🚶 Walk
🤸 Stretch
🕺 Dance
⚽ Light play

📖 Reading
🖍️ Drawing
😌 Lying down

💬 Talk quietly
🧠 Deep breaths
❤️ Comfort item

TimeActivityBreak9:00Learning5 min quiet10:00Group workSensory break11:00Noisy areaHeadphones1:00LessonsWalk break3:00HomeworkCalm corner  

✔ Offer breaks early
✔ Never punish for needing breaks
✔ Keep break spaces consistent
✔ Respect refusal to talk
✔ Avoid forcing return too soon
✔ Stay calm yourself
✔ Praise healthy self-regulation

Example:
💬 “Well done for asking for a break.”

With regular safe breaks, individuals can:

🌟 Stay regulated longer
🌟 Reduce meltdowns
🌟 Improve learning
🌟 Build self-control
🌟 Feel respected
🌟 Gain independence