🌍 What is Autism Level 1?

Autism Level 1 is part of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

👉 It is described as:

“Requiring support”
The least support-intensive level, but still needs help

🧩 Other Terms (You may hear)

“High-functioning autism” (outdated term)
“Asperger’s syndrome” (older diagnosis)
Level 1 ASD

🧠 Key Characteristics

👥 Social Communication

Difficulty with back-and-forth conversation
Misunderstanding body language or tone
Struggles making or keeping friends
May appear shy or uninterested

🔁 Behaviour & Thinking

Preference for routine
Difficulty with change
Strong focus on specific interests 🎯
Challenges with organisation and planning

👃 Sensory Differences

Sensitive to:
- Noise 🔊
- Light 💡
- Smell 👃
Can lead to overload and distress

🎭 Masking

Many people:

Hide their difficulties
Copy others to “fit in”

👉 This can lead to:

Exhaustion
Stress
Burnout

🧠 Mental Health in Autism Level 1

⚠️ Important

👉 Autism is not a mental illness
👉 But mental health difficulties are common

💙 Common Mental Health Challenges

😰 Anxiety (VERY common)

Social anxiety
Fear of saying the wrong thing
Worry about change or unpredictability

😔 Depression

Feeling different or isolated
Low mood
Loss of motivation

⚡ Stress & Burnout

From masking
From sensory overload
From trying to “keep up”

🔥 Emotional Dysregulation

Difficulty managing emotions
Overwhelm leading to shutdowns or meltdowns

😠 Anger & Frustration

Often linked to:
- Miscommunication
- Change
- Feeling misunderstood

🚨 Why Mental Health Risks Are Higher

🧠 Internal Factors

Nervous system sensitivity
Executive functioning difficulties
Emotional regulation challenges

🌍 External Factors

Social pressure
Bullying 🚫
Isolation 👥
Lack of understanding
High expectations

📊 Real-Life Examples

👦 Child

Plays alone
Struggles with sarcasm
Gets anxious in group work

🧑 Adult

Highly skilled in one area
Struggles with sudden schedule changes
Feels exhausted after social situations

🤝 Support Needs

Even if independent, support is still important:

Social skills support 👥
Emotional support ❤️
Executive function help 📋
Predictable routines 📅

🛠️ Support Strategies

🗣️ Communication

Clear, direct language
Avoid sarcasm or vague instructions

📅 Structure

Routines
Preparation for change

🧠 Emotional Support

Safe space to talk
Validate feelings

👃 Sensory Support

Quiet environments
Breaks when overwhelmed

💬 Reduce Masking Pressure

Encourage authenticity
Accept differences

🌟 Strengths

People with Autism Level 1 may have:

Strong focus 🎯
Deep knowledge
Attention to detail 🔍
Honesty 🤝
Creativity 🎨

💡 Key Message

👉 Autism Level 1 still requires support
👉 Mental health difficulties are common but manageable

👉 With the right support:

Confidence improves
Anxiety reduces
People thrive 🌟

📘 EASY READ VERSION

🧠 What is Autism Level 1?

A brain difference
You may need some support

😰 Feelings

You may feel:

Worried
Stressed
Tired after socialising

⚠️ Difficulties

Talking to people
Change
Loud places

🤝 Support Helps

Clear words
Routines
Quiet space
Kind people

🌟 Message

👉 You are different, not broken

📊 POWERPOINT (Module Slides)

Slide 1 – Autism Level 1
Slide 2 – What is Autism?
Slide 3 – Key characteristics
Slide 4 – Social communication
Slide 5 – Behaviour & routines
Slide 6 – Sensory differences
Slide 7 – Masking
Slide 8 – Mental health link
Slide 9 – Anxiety & depression
Slide 10 – Stress & burnout
Slide 11 – Support strategies
Slide 12 – Strengths
Slide 13 – Key message

🎭 ACTIVITIES

🧩 Activity 1 – Feelings

Draw or write:

What makes you feel calm?
What makes you feel stressed?

🗣️ Activity 2 – Communication

Practice:

Clear instructions
Asking for help

🎭 Activity 3 – Role Play

Act out:

Asking for support
Handling change

🧠 Activity 4 – Scenario

👉 Someone feels overwhelmed in a noisy classroom

Questions:

What is happening?
What support would help?

📝 QUIZ

1. Autism Level 1 means:
A. No support needed
B. Needs some support ✅

2. One common mental health difficulty is:
A. Anxiety ✅
B. Broken bone

3. Masking means:
A. Wearing a costume
B. Hiding difficulties to fit in ✅

4. True or False

Autism is a mental illness → ❌ False
Support can help → ✔ True

🧾 ASSESSMENT SHEET

Name: __________
Date: __________

🧠 Knowledge

☐ Understands Autism Level 1
☐ Understands mental health link

🤝 Skills

☐ Can identify support strategies
☐ Can communicate needs

❤️ Attitude

☐ Respectful
☐ Understanding

🌟 FINAL MESSAGE

👉 Autism Level 1 is often misunderstood because it is less visible

👉 But:

The challenges are real
Mental health support is important