Symptoms of Level 1 Autism in Toddlers
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of complex neurological and developmental disorders that can lead to social, communication and behavioral challenges. Level 1 autism is the mildest form of autism, and is sometimes referred to as “high-functioning” autism. Although the signs of Level 1 autism can vary from person to person, there are some common symptoms that can be seen in toddlers.
Social Difficulties
Children with Level 1 autism may have difficulty with social interactions, such as making and maintaining eye contact, understanding facial expressions, engaging in pretend play, and initiating conversations. They may also have difficulty understanding nonverbal cues, such as body language, and may not respond to their name being called.
Communication Difficulties
Children with Level 1 autism may have difficulty with verbal communication, such as speaking in complete sentences, or using proper grammar, as well as nonverbal communication, such as pointing or gesturing. They may also have difficulty with verbal expression, such as understanding and responding to questions, expressing their wants and needs, and understanding jokes or sarcasm.
Behavioral Difficulties
Children with Level 1 autism may have difficulty with behaviors such as impulsivity, lack of self-control, difficulty transitioning between activities, and difficulty following directions. They may also have difficulty with sensory processing, such as being overly sensitive to loud noises, or difficulty regulating emotions.