HOW TO UNDERSTAND AND SUPPORT A CHILD WITH ASD LEVEL 1

As an Allied Health Professional and a parent of a neurodivergent child, I have never stopped learning about autism that helps me to understand more about my daughter so I support her more. This article helps neurodivergent individuals or their families and friends to understand more about autism, allowing to support them more.

A. Characteristics

Level 1 autism is often referred to as “high-functioning autism.” Individuals at this level typically require some support to navigate social situations and manage daily tasks. While they may have strong verbal skills and a basic understanding of social norms, they often struggle to apply this understanding in real-world contexts.

1. Social Communication Challenges

Individuals with Level 1 autism often face significant challenges in social communication. They may have difficulty initiating and maintaining conversations, understanding social cues, and responding appropriately to social interactions. For example, they might struggle to make eye contact or may not recognize when someone is disinterested in a conversation. This can lead to awkward social interactions and difficulties in forming friendships.

Additionally, individuals at this level may exhibit a tendency to dominate conversations with their interests, which can alienate peers who do not share the same enthusiasm. Their conversations may lack depth, and they may find it challenging to engage in small talk or shift topics smoothly.

2. Difficulty with Organization and Planning

Another characteristic of Level 1 autism is difficulty with organization and planning. Individuals may struggle to manage their time effectively, prioritize tasks, and follow through on responsibilities. This can manifest in various aspects of life, including academics, work, and personal activities.

For instance, a student with Level 1 autism might have trouble keeping track of assignments, deadlines, and materials needed for class. They may struggle to organize their notes or manage their study schedules, leading to increased anxiety and frustration. This difficulty can impact their academic performance, as they may miss important deadlines or fail to complete assignments on time.

3. Restricted Interests

Individuals with Level 1 autism often exhibit restricted interests, which can be both a strength and a challenge. While having a passion for a specific topic can lead to deep knowledge and expertise, it can also limit their engagement with a broader range of activities and experiences.

For example, a child with Level 1 autism may become intensely focused on a particular movie franchise or hobby, spending hours discussing and researching it. While this interest can be a source of joy and fulfillment, it may also make it difficult for them to connect with peers who do not share the same enthusiasm. Additionally, their rigidity in preferences can lead to challenges when faced with changes or new experiences.

B. Some behaviors examples

1. Difficulty Initiating or Maintaining Conversations

One of the most common behaviors exhibited by individuals with Level 1 autism is difficulty initiating or maintaining conversations. They may find it challenging to approach peers and start a dialogue, often waiting for others to engage them. When conversations do occur, they may struggle to keep the dialogue flowing, providing short responses or failing to ask follow-up questions.

For instance, if a friend asks about their weekend, an individual with Level 1 autism might respond with a simple “It was fine” without elaborating or showing interest in the friend’s experiences. This lack of reciprocal communication can create a sense of disconnect in social interactions.

2. Challenges in Adjusting to Changes

Individuals with Level 1 autism often experience challenges in adjusting to changes in their routines or environments. They may thrive on predictability and become anxious or distressed when faced with unexpected situations. For example, a student may become upset if a teacher changes the schedule or introduces a new activity without prior notice.

This difficulty in adjusting to changes can impact their overall well-being and day-to-day functioning. For instance, an individual may prepare extensively for a family outing, following a specific plan that includes timeframes and activities. If any aspect of this plan changes unexpectedly, they may struggle to adapt, leading to heightened anxiety and frustration.

C. Support Strategies

1. Social Skills Training

One of the most effective support strategies for individuals with Level 1 autism is social skills training. This intervention focuses on teaching individuals how to navigate social interactions more effectively, enhancing their ability to communicate and connect with peers. Social skills training can be conducted in various settings, including one-on-one therapy sessions, group workshops, or social skills clubs.

The training typically involves structured activities that target specific social skills, such as initiating conversations, maintaining eye contact, interpreting social cues, and understanding the nuances of verbal and non-verbal communication. For example, role-playing exercises can provide individuals with opportunities to practice initiating conversations and engaging in back-and-forth dialogue.

2. Organizational Aids and Tools

To address the challenges related to organization and planning, individuals with Level 1 autism can benefit from the use of various organizational aids and tools. These resources can help them manage their daily tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and reduce anxiety related to time management.

Visual schedules provide a clear representation of daily routines, tasks, and activities. For example, a student might have a visual schedule that outlines their school day, including class times and breaks. Checklists can also be valuable organizational aids, breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

3. Encouraging Interests and Hobbies

While restricted interests can pose challenges, they can also be harnessed as a strength to facilitate social interactions and engagement. Encouraging individuals with Level 1 autism to pursue their interests can create opportunities for connection with peers who share similar passions. For instance, if an individual is passionate about a specific topic, caregivers can help them find clubs or groups where they can connect with others who share that interest.

Date: 08/06/2025

Author: Hugh Vo (registered nurse, NDIS Support Coordinator)

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