Level 1 Autism: Understanding the Symptoms, Diagnosis and Support

• OVERVIEW
• SYMPTOMS
• ADULTS
• CHILDREN
• WOMEN
• DIAGNOSIS
• TREATMENT
• MEDICATION

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people communicate, behave and interact with others. It is described as a spectrum and categorised into Levels 1, 2 and 3 because autistic people can experience different strengths, challenges, and support needs.

Our clinical experience at AuDHD Psychiatry tells us that understanding the different levels of autism can help clarify the types of support that may be helpful at different stages of life. As such, managing Level 1 autism starts with recognising how symptoms can affect everyday life. It also involves understanding how autistic traits may present differently in adults, children, and girls, and how clinicians use DSM-5 diagnostic criteria to assess autism. These insights help individuals and families better understand possible signs of autism and make informed decisions about assessment and support.

Key Takeaways

• Level 1 autism is a classification indicating that a person experiences the mildest form of autism and that they ‘require support’, according to DSM-5 autism levels. 
• In contrast, Level 2 autism requires ‘substantial support’ and Level 3 autism requires ‘very substantial support’.
• Level 1 autism symptoms may be less noticeable, but they are present. These symptoms include challenges with social communication and repetitive, restrictive behaviour.
• Level 1 autism is also referred to as high-functioning autism; people who were previously diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome now fall under this level of autism.
• Autism in adults and children may present differently at this level. Women may also have less noticeable symptoms at Level 1 because they tend to develop better coping strategies, masking their symptoms.

What Is Level 1 Autism?

Level 1 autism is a classification indicating that a person needs minimal support, according to DSM-5 autism levels. Autism levels are not indicative of capability, intelligence and behaviour. Instead, they represent the level of support that each individual with autism needs. People on Level 1 experience the mildest form of autism and ‘require support’. People assigned to Level 2 autism require ‘substantial support’, and those assigned to Level 3 autism need ‘very substantial support’.

Individuals assigned to Level 1 may experience minor difficulties communicating with others and have problems in social situations. Others might have advanced language skills but still struggle to learn social cues. 

The symptoms may seem minor, allowing a person with Level 1 autism to lead an independent life. But without support and intervention early on, an individual’s struggles can be compounded and potentially lead to other conditions like anxiety and depression.

Level 1 Autism Symptoms: How They Affect Daily Life

Every person’s journey with autism is unique, but certain experiences tie them together. People with autism, no matter what level, experience challenges with social communication and repetitive or restricted patterns of behaviour. Level 1 autism symptoms may be less visible and milder, but they are present.

Here are autism symptoms for Level 2:

Level 1 autism in children and young adults can affect socialisation in school. The struggle to make friends or keep company can leave a person feeling like an outcast. The same could happen with adults who must interact with people who have set expectations about how interactions should go. Eye contact and a balanced discussion may be difficult for someone with autism, which can be mistaken for rudeness or other behavioural issues. 

These symptoms closely resemble signs of Asperger’s syndrome, also referred to as high-functioning autism. People who are diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome are now assigned to, according to DSM-5, Level 1 autism. Asperger’s is an outdated term due to its overlapping diagnostic criteria with autism, its inconsistent application and the growing awareness of Hans Asperger’s actions during World War II.

Level 1 Autism in Adults, Children and Girls

Autism can present differently in adults and children. The environment and support systems also influence how symptoms manifest across age groups. Adults also tend to develop coping mechanisms, which mask symptoms of autism.

A UC Davis MIND Institute study has also found that symptom severity in children can change with age. Some children may improve, and others may worsen over time.

Age is not the only factor that can influence how autism manifests. Gender can also make a difference, so girls with autism tend to have different traits than boys.

Here’s a quick rundown of those differences:

Level 1 Autism Diagnosis Criteria (DSM-5)

Autism diagnosis follows a carefully structured process that uses clinically validated tools and criteria. The criteria for diagnosing autism under the DSM-5 requires that an individual must meet all the traits below, and demonstrate at least two of the four repetitive, restrictive behaviours:

• Difficulty with non-verbal communication
• Difficulty with social-emotional reciprocity
• Difficulty forming and maintaining relationships

The updated criteria also identifies severity rating. For DSM 5 Level 1 autism diagnosis, the individual must show:

• Difficulty starting social interactions
• Disinterest in social interaction or connection
• Unusual, limited, or unsuccessful responses to social interactions
• Difficulty shifting attention away from focused interests

Released in 2013 May, these guidelines are now followed by clinicians during autism assessments to determine severity levels and inform treatment options.

Level 1 Autism Treatment and Support Options

Adults and children assigned to Level 1 require support. What that support looks like will depend on the diagnosis and evaluation of the autism specialist. Every autism treatment and support plan must be tailored to the person. 

In general, the following interventions may be included in the treatment plan:

• Speech and language therapy
• Social skills training
• Behavioural therapy
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Occupational therapy
• Structure teaching and visual schedules
• Social stories and visual support
• Sensory integration therapy

Frequently Asked Questions on Level 1 Autism

Level 1 Autism: Find Answers at Your Own Pace

Autism levels indicate the severity of symptoms and determine the kind of support needed. Individuals assigned to Level 1, under DSM-5 criteria, require support. The symptoms are milder than those of Level 2 autism and  Level 3 autism, so the support is not as intensive.

Because symptoms can be less noticeable, early intervention is more critical to help the child or adult cope better, sooner, and to get the right autism support.

If all the traits mentioned here seem familiar to you, explore further and see what a diagnosis can mean for everyday life.

Learn more about autism spectrum disorder.

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