Understanding Level 1 of Autism Spectrum Disorder | Ascend Autism (2024)

• Sharon Dudhnath-Grotsky

• February 12, 2021

If your child exhibits a high level of focus and intelligence but struggles with conversation and social cues, they might have Autism Level 1, a mild form of autism. This condition is part of a spectrum known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), encompassing various challenges in social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. The American Psychiatric Association categorizes ASD into three levels of severity, with Level 1 being the mildest.

Autism affects approximately 1 in 36 children in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control. ASD’s broad definition includes a range of conditions under one umbrella to better understand and support those affected. Level 1 autism, in particular, highlights individuals who may require minimal support but face notable challenges in social interactions and communication.

What Is Autism-Level 1?

Level1is the mildest form of ASD, but children in this category still require support. Generally, children at thislevelhave more mild symptoms, but still have a hard time communicating appropriately or engaging with others. For example, they may not say the right thing at the right time or have difficulty reading social cues and body language. This is what most people previously referred to when they used the terms “Asperger’s syndrome” or “high-functioning autism”.

Autism (Level 1) Symptoms

Autism symptoms differ for each child. However, generally speaking, there are common symptoms for children with Autism-Level 1. Some of these symptoms may be viewed as strengths, while other symptoms can be considered challenges.

Strengths can include:

• Remarkable focus and persistence
• Aptitude for recognizing patterns
• Attention to detail

Challenges can include:

• Hypersensitivities to lights, sounds, or other stimuli
• Difficulty maintaining a typical conversation
• Difficulty with nonverbal conversation skills, such as distance, loudness, or tone during conversations
• Uncoordinated movements or clumsiness

If you believe that your child may be demonstrating Autism-Level 1 symptoms, Ascend Autism is ready to answer your questions about how to best support your child.

Related Reading:

• Early Signs of Autism
• Signs of Autism in Boys
• Signs of Autism in Girls
• Life Before an ASD Diagnosis: Pre-Testing or Screening

Autism-Levels 2 & 3

• Level 2: Children at this level require substantial support as there are typically more obvious problems with verbal and social communication compared to those diagnosed with Level 1 autism. Children with Level 2 tend to have very narrow interests and engage in repetitive behaviors that can make it difficult for them to function or participate in certain situations.
• Level 3: This is the most severe form of ASD. Children in this category tend to have many of the same difficulties or behaviors as those with Levels1and 2, but to a heightened degree. Children at thislevelhave severe deficits in verbal and nonverbal social communication skills that cause severe impairments in functioning, very limited initiation of social interactions, and minimal response to social overtures from others. People at thislevelrequire the most support, which can include full-time aides.

About Ascend Autism

Ascend Autism is a valuable resource for children with autism and their families. Over a decade ago, Ascend Autism was founded by a highly-qualified team of healthcare operators and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA).

Ascend Autism provides interventions using evidence-based practices (EBPs) for children with high-functioning autism symptoms. EBPs are therapies and treatments that have gone through rigorous research and review and have been found to be effective for treating children with high-functioning autism. Children with high-functioning autism symptoms who have participated in EBPs have shown positive results and better outcomes.

Along with our therapy programs, we provide a safe environment for children with autism so that they feel secure and free to achieve their treatment goals.

Autism Therapy Programs at Ascend Autism

At Ascend Autism, we offer ABA programs for our students, including:

• Early intervention program
• Targeted intervention program
• Social skills work
• Parental services

Find Out How Ascend Autism Can Help Your Child with High-Functioning Autism

Our Ascend Autism team is ready to help children with high-functioning autism. We have treatment programs that are based on methods that are scientifically proven to be effective.

Learn more about Ascend Autism and our track record of success for children with high-functioning autism. Contact us today by calling us or completing our secure online form for more information.

• Level 1 Autism