My ASD Child: Is Your Child a "Level 1" or "Level 3" on the Autism "Spectrum"

"How can parents tell if their child has ASD Level 1 rather than Level 3? Also, what therapies are available for these kids?"

The main difference between ASD level 3 and ASD level 1 is that the youngster dealing with level 1 retains his/her early language skills. If you have a son or daughter that is having a greater degree of social difficulties than other kids, or has diminished communication skills and exhibits a restrictive pattern of thought and behavior, he or she may have ASD1.

The peculiar symptom of level 1 is the youngster’s obsessive interest in a single object or topic to the exclusion of any other ...she wants to know ALL about this one topic.

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Sometimes the child's speech patterns and vocabulary may resemble that of a little professor. Other ASD1 symptoms include the inability to interact successfully with peers, clumsy and uncoordinated motor movements, repetitive routines or rituals, socially and emotionally inappropriate behavior, and last but not least, problems with non-verbal communication.

ASD1 kids find difficulty mingling with the general public. Even if they converse with others, they may exhibit inappropriate and eccentric behavior. The child may always want to talk about his singular interest.

Developmental delays in motor skills (e.g., catching a ball, climbing outdoor play equipment, pedaling a bike, etc.) may also appear in the youngster. Kids with ASD1 often show a stilted or bouncy walk, which appears awkward.

Therapy for the level 1 child concentrates mainly on 3 core symptoms: physical clumsiness, obsessive or repetitive routines, and poor communication skills. It is unfortunate that there is no single treatment for these kids, but therapists do agree that the disorder can be treated successfully when the intervention is carried out at the earliest possible time.

The treatment package involves medication for co-existing conditions, cognitive behavioral therapy, and social skills training. Treatment mainly helps to build on the youngster’s interests, teaches the task as a series of simple steps, and offers a predictable schedule.

Although children living with ASD1 can manage themselves and their deficits, personal relationships and social situations are challenging for them. In order to maintain an independent life, the older teen or young adult on the spectrum requires moral support and encouragement to work successfully in mainstream jobs.