Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by challenges with social communication and interaction skills, as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors. According to the DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition), the severity of Autism is determined by the amount of support you need. If you have ASD Level 1, you generally require some support. Level 2 requires substantial support, and level 3 requires very substantial support.
Autism has received a lot of attention in recent years. There are many ongoing studies, with research being widely reported in the news, and there are more and more portrayals of people with autism in TV and movies. Social media has also played a role in increasing awareness and access to information about various aspects of autism.
This increasing awareness of autism in general is a great way for you to learn about potential signs of autism. Additionally, it can help you learn how to interact with someone who has autism.
What Is ASD Level 1 Autism?
As mentioned in the summary above, having Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) means you experience challenges with social communication and interaction skills, as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors. These behaviors require some sort of support in your day-to-day life. That support could be something you do for yourself to make social situations tolerable, and it can also include ways others can help you.
It is estimated that 1 in 31 children and 1 in 45 adults in the U.S. are impacted by autism. While a childhood diagnosis can provide an opportunity to access support early, it is never too late to get a diagnosis. If you are diagnosed later in life, you may find that you have been masking or hiding your symptoms to fit in with social norms. You might find it freeing to finally name your struggles.
If you think that you, or someone you know, may be struggling with ASD Level 1 symptoms, keep reading. We will be looking at what is commonly seen in someone with level 1 ASD next in this article.
Please remember that since ASD is assessed on a spectrum with three different levels of support needs, your symptoms may not be the same as someone else with an autism diagnosis. Seeking a formal diagnosis can help you manage your symptoms and find personalized support.
What Is Commonly Seen in Someone With Level 1 ASD?
For this section, we will divide symptoms into two diagnosis categories: 1) social communication and interaction skills, and 2) restricted and repetitive behaviors.
Social communication and interaction are common requirements of everyday life, so it can feel stressful when you struggle with what others consider a “normal” situation. It can make your personal connections and work requirements harder. Similarly, restricted and repetitive behaviors can make your experiences feel awkward and shape how others see you.
- Social communication and interaction skills:
- maintaining a typical back-and-forth conversation;
- misreading tone of voice or body language;
- struggling with emotional regulation;
- missing cues for sarcasm, jokes, metaphors, or implied meanings;
- using formal or literal vocabulary; or
- talking non-stop about niche topics.
- Restricted and repetitive behaviors:
- repeating body movements like hand-flapping or pacing;
- verbally, or internally, echoing words or phrases (this is called echolalia);
- resisting change in routine;
- needing to follow rigid rules or rituals, and feeling distressed when they are not followed; or
- lining up or organizing items into groups.
What is sensory sensitivity in ASD level 1?
When you struggle with ASD Level 1, you experience sensory processing differences. This means your brain may respond more acutely to sensory input like sounds, lights, textures, or smells.
Common sensory sensitivities include:
- Covering your ears during loud noises;
- Feeling overwhelmed in crowded spaces;
- Experiencing discomfort with certain clothing textures;
- Having a strong reaction to bright lights; and
- Avoiding specific food textures.
Learning sensory regulation strategies can help reduce your overwhelm in everyday situations.
Strengths of having ASD level 1
Even though an ASD Level 1 diagnosis comes with a unique set of challenges, you are also likely to have a different, valuable perspective on many situations – strengths that are worth celebrating!
Research indicates that, as someone with ASD Level 1, you may experience in-depth focus and persistence, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to recognize patterns. You may also find that you have a highly proficient memory and math skills, as well as an aptitude for visual thinking.
Support Modalities for ASD Level 1:
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy
ABA is a behavioral therapy that can help you gain confidence in social interactions, increase healthy behaviors, and reduce challenging behavior. Your ABA online therapist will work with you to choose specific behaviors to address. ABA uses positive reinforcement to encourage socially beneficial behaviors, and it can also help you manage counterproductive behaviors.
- Speech and language therapy
Speech and language therapy may help you improve your verbal communication and your ability to understand others.
- Social skills training
Social skills training can ease anxiety in social situations by allowing you to role-play and practice those skills in a safe environment.
- Sensory regulation strategies
Sensory sensitivity can make what others consider an everyday situation excruciating. Learning ways to mitigate unexpected sensory issues can enable you to have a healthier reaction in those moments.
- Parent/Caregiver training
If you are seeking support for your child, getting some training for how to handle the ups and downs of relating to someone with level 1 ASD can make your experience easier. Training can also help if your significant other is autistic.
Let us walk with you on this journey
Learning how to recognize the signs of level 1 ASD and determining how to proceed with treatment can be a daunting process. It can bring up a wide range of emotions, and even leave you feeling as if your world has been turned upside down.
Makin Wellness offers confidential online therapy: a safe, comfortable space to work through challenges on your journey with an ASD Level 1 diagnosis.
Specifically, online therapy provides a personalized opportunity to:
- Work through the emotions you are experiencing;
- Practice evidence-based techniques with professional guidance;
- Work toward improving your social skills; and
- Set goals that reflect your values.
You deserve professional support that empowers you to balance your strengths and struggles. Your Makin Wellness online therapist is here to help with that when you’re ready.
If you are unsure whether online therapy is right for you, don’t worry, your online therapist can help answer any questions you have about ASD level 1 signs.
Call us at (833)-274-heal or click here to schedule an appointment with one of our caring online therapists today.
