Autism Level 1 (High-Functioning Autism): Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Support Options
Autism Level 1 involves mild social and communication challenges, sensory sensitivities, and difficulty with changes. Diagnosis is made through clinical assessment. Support includes therapy, skill-building, and structured routines.
Finding clarity and balance—many adults with Autism Level 1 move through life seeking understanding, emotional stability, and support. At Thriving Wellness Center, we help individuals navigate their neurodivergent strengths and challenges with compassionate, specialized care.
Autism Level 1, sometimes referred to as High-Functioning Autism or historically as Asperger’s Syndrome, describes individuals who are independent in most areas of daily living but still experience meaningful challenges in social communication, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and sensory processing. For more information on Asperger’s vs Autism, What’s the Difference?
At Thriving Wellness Center, we specialize in identifying and supporting Autism Level 1 in teens and adults through comprehensive autism evaluations and neurodiversity-affirming therapy. Many of our clients reach out after years of masking, misdiagnosis, or wondering why life feels harder than it should.
What is Autism Level 1?
According to the DSM-5, Level 1 Autism describes individuals who require support (but not substantial or very substantial support). People with ASD Level 1 often:
Communicate verbally and articulate thoughts clearly
Perform daily living tasks independently
Have strong interests and deep knowledge in certain topics
Appear “high functioning” externally while internally struggling
Mask or camouflage autistic traits in social or professional situations
Many people with Autism Level 1 go through childhood—and even adulthood—without a diagnosis. Their differences may be mistaken for anxiety, ADHD, shyness, or personality quirks. Understanding the underlying neurotype can be life-changing.
Reclaim Energy and Self-Acceptance
If you’ve been feeling drained from trying to ‘fit in,’ you’re not alone. Our neurodiversity-affirming therapists in New Jersey and New York specialize in helping autistic adults recover from burnout and reconnect with their authentic selves.
Common Characteristics of Autism Level 1
1. Social Communication Differences
Individuals may experience:
Difficulty interpreting tone, facial expressions, sarcasm, or indirect communication
Feeling out of sync during conversations
Preference for clarity and straightforward communication
Fatigue after social interactions
Struggles with small talk or unstructured social settings
These patterns often lead to misunderstandings or social burnout.
2. Emotional Regulation Challenges
People with Autism Level 1 frequently describe:
Getting overwhelmed easily
Difficulty recovering from stress or conflict
Emotional shutdowns or overload (“flooding”)
Heightened sensitivity to criticism or rejection
These experiences can coexist with anxiety—but the root is often neurological, not psychological.
3. Preference for Predictability & Rigid Thinking
This may look like:
Need for clear expectations
Distress during unexpected changes
Difficulty shifting tasks or routines
Black-and-white thinking during overwhelm
Predictability feels grounding—not controlling.
4. Sensory Sensitivities
Sensory differences may include:
Sensitivity to noise, lights, textures, or strong smells
Discomfort with clothing or certain environments
Sensory seeking behaviors (movement, pressure, fidgeting)
Avoidance of overwhelming or crowded spaces
5. Executive Functioning Differences
Often overlapping with ADHD, individuals may struggle with:
Task initiation
Organization
Time management
Forgetfulness
Shifting focus
Hyperfocus on certain interests
For more support on these challenges, explore our ADHD Therapy and Executive Function Coaching.
Ready to Gain Clarity and Personalized Guidance?
Start your journey with our neurodiversity-affirming team. We offer Autism Diagnostic Evaluations in Ridgewood, Autism Evaluations in Manhattan, and virtually.
Understanding your unique profile can help guide therapy, accommodations, and strategies for thriving at home, school, or work.
Strengths Commonly Seen in Autism, Level 1
Autistic individuals often show:
Exceptional honesty and integrity
Deep empathy for others in distress
Strong pattern recognition
Creativity and original thinking
Loyalty and reliability
Intense focus on meaningful interests
Superior problem-solving when instructions are clear
Recognizing these strengths is essential for building self-understanding and confidence.
How Autism Level 1 Shows Up in Adults
Many adults seek evaluation after noticing:
Longstanding social or communication differences
Chronic overwhelm
Sensory discomfort or emotional reactivity
Difficulty with workplace or relationship dynamics
Feeling “different” without knowing why
A history of being mislabeled as sensitive, anxious, stubborn, or introverted
For many, a diagnosis provides a sense of clarity—and a path forward. For more on signs of autism in adults, visit our related post: 10 Key Signs of Autism in Adults
If you’d like a broader overview of all three autism levels, visit our full guide Understanding the Three Levels of Autism.
How an Autism Evaluation Helps
A formal autism assessment can help you:
Understand your neurotype
Receive school or workplace accommodations
Support emotional regulation
Improve communication patterns
Reduce burnout, anxiety, and overwhelm
Build structure and systems that align with how your brain works
Explore our Adult Autism Evaluation process.
Schedule Your Comprehensive Autism Evaluation Today!
Take the first step toward understanding your unique neurodivergent profile. Contact us now to book a thorough, evidence-based autism assessment in New York, New Jersey, or virtually.
Take the Next Step
At Thriving Wellness Center, we specialize in neurodiversity-affirming care and support for individuals with autism, ADHD in New York, New Jersey, and virtually. Our approach emphasizes understanding and celebrating neurodivergent strengths while providing the tools and support needed to navigate challenges in daily life, school, work, and relationships.
Our neurodiversity-affirming services include:
Comprehensive Autism Diagnostic Evaluations - We provide thorough, evidence-based assessments to help you understand your unique neurodivergent profile. Our evaluations, including Adult Autism Testing, are designed to uncover strengths, challenges, and areas of support, giving you clarity and actionable guidance. This is especially helpful for individuals who were diagnosed late in life or are seeking clarity about ASD traits.
Autism Focused Therapy - Our therapy services are tailored to support social, emotional, and executive functioning challenges commonly associated with autism. We use neurodiversity-affirming strategies to help clients manage sensory sensitivities, improve communication skills, regulate emotions, and develop coping strategies for daily life.
Autism Support Groups - Connecting with others who share similar experiences can be powerful. Our support groups provide a safe, structured environment where individuals can share, learn, and develop skills together. Topics include social interaction, self-advocacy, sensory regulation, and emotional well-being.
