People with Level 1 Autism may find it hard to start or keep conversations going. This is not because they are unfriendly, but because social interaction can feel confusing or tiring.

They may:

• Struggle to know how to begin a conversation
   
• Find it difficult to think of what to say next
   
• Give short or very detailed answers
   
• Prefer listening rather than speaking
   
• Feel anxious about saying the “wrong” thing
   
• Become tired after social interaction
   

Helpful Support:
✔ Give extra time to respond
✔ Ask clear, simple questions
✔ Avoid interrupting
✔ Be patient and encouraging
✔ Use written messages when helpful

People with Level 1 Autism may sometimes miss non-verbal cues such as tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language. These signals are often used in everyday communication, but they may not always be easy to recognise or interpret.

They may:

• Find it hard to understand if someone is joking, serious, or upset
   
• Miss subtle changes in tone or facial expression
   
• Not notice body language such as crossed arms or eye contact
   
• Take words very literally
   
• Feel confused in emotionally complex situations
   

Helpful Support:
✔ Speak clearly and directly
✔ Say feelings out loud (for example: “I’m happy” or “I’m upset”)
✔ Avoid relying only on hints or gestures
✔ Check understanding gently
✔ Be patient and respectful

People with Level 1 Autism may often take language literally, which means that jokes, sarcasm, idioms, or indirect speech can be confusing or misunderstood.

They may:

• Take words exactly as they are said
   
• Find jokes, teasing, or sarcasm hard to recognise
   
• Become confused by phrases like “It’s raining cats and dogs”
   
• Miss hidden meanings or “between the lines” messages
   
• Feel embarrassed or upset when misunderstandings happen
   

Helpful Support:
✔ Use clear and direct language
✔ Explain jokes or expressions when needed
✔ Avoid sarcasm in important conversations
✔ Say exactly what you mean
✔ Gently check understanding

People with Level 1 Autism may often feel exhausted after socialising, even when they enjoy spending time with others. This happens because social interaction requires a lot of mental and emotional effort.

They may:

• Feel drained after conversations or group activities
   
• Need quiet time alone to recover
   
• Become irritable, withdrawn, or silent after social events
   
• Find busy or noisy environments especially tiring
   
• Feel overwhelmed after long meetings, gatherings, or outings
   

Helpful Support:
✔ Allow time for rest after social activities
✔ Respect the need for alone time
✔ Avoid over-scheduling social events
✔ Provide calm, quiet spaces
✔ Don’t take withdrawal personally

This rest time helps them recharge and stay emotionally well.

People with Level 1 Autism often feel more comfortable when their day follows predictable routines and has clear structure. Knowing what will happen next helps reduce anxiety and builds confidence.

They may:

• Feel calm when daily activities follow the same pattern
   
• Become anxious when plans change suddenly
   
• Prefer knowing times, locations, and expectations in advance
   
• Like using schedules, planners, or checklists
   
• Feel unsettled by uncertainty or surprises
   

Helpful Support:
✔ Use daily or weekly routines
✔ Give early notice before changes
✔ Provide written or visual schedules
✔ Explain what will happen step by step
✔ Keep important routines consistent

Clear structure helps create a sense of safety and emotional balance.

People with Level 1 Autism may find sudden or unexpected changes very stressful. When routines are disrupted, it can feel overwhelming and may lead to a shutdown (becoming quiet and withdrawn) or a meltdown (strong emotional reaction).

They may:

• Feel anxious or panicked when plans change
   
• Become silent, withdrawn, or unresponsive (shutdown)
   
• Cry, become upset, or show intense frustration (meltdown)
   
• Struggle to think clearly during stressful moments
   
• Need time alone to recover afterwards
   

Helpful Support:
✔ Give advance warning before changes
✔ Explain what is changing and why
✔ Offer choices where possible
✔ Keep a calm, gentle tone
✔ Provide a quiet, safe space

With understanding and preparation, many people can learn ways to manage change more comfortably.

People with Level 1 Autism may use repetitive movements or habits, known as stimming (self-stimulating behaviour), to help themselves feel calm, focused, or safe. Stimming is a natural and healthy way to regulate emotions and sensory input.

They may:

• Rock back and forth
   
• Tap fingers or feet
   
• Flap hands
   
• Repeat words or sounds
   
• Play with objects (pens, strings, stress balls)
   
• Pace or sway gently
   

These behaviours help reduce stress, manage excitement, or cope with overwhelming situations.

Helpful Support:
✔ Allow safe stimming without judgement
✔ Do not force them to stop unless it is harmful
✔ Provide calming tools (fidget toys, soft items)
✔ Create accepting, understanding environments
✔ Recognise stimming as communication and self-care

Stimming is an important way many autistic people look after their wellbeing.

People with Level 1 Autism may be especially sensitive to sounds, bright lights, busy places, or physical touch. These sensory experiences can feel much stronger and more uncomfortable than they do for others.

They may:

• Feel distressed by loud noises (traffic, alarms, crowds, music)
   
• Find bright or flashing lights overwhelming
   
• Struggle in busy or crowded environments
   
• Dislike unexpected touching or certain textures
   
• Feel tired or anxious after sensory overload
   

Helpful Support:
✔ Use noise-cancelling headphones or ear defenders
✔ Choose calm, quiet environments when possible
✔ Reduce bright or harsh lighting
✔ Ask before touching
✔ Allow regular sensory breaks

Supporting sensory needs helps reduce stress and improves daily comfort and wellbeing

People with Level 1 Autism may feel strong discomfort with certain clothing fabrics or food textures. What seems normal to others can feel irritating, unpleasant, or even unbearable to them.

They may:

• Dislike scratchy, tight, rough, or heavy clothing
   
• Avoid clothes with labels, seams, or stiff fabrics
   
• Prefer very soft or loose-fitting clothes
   
• Be selective about food textures (crunchy, mushy, mixed, slimy)
   
• Avoid foods that feel “wrong,” even if they like the taste
   
• Feel anxious at mealtimes because of texture issues
   

Helpful Support:
✔ Let them choose comfortable clothing
✔ Remove labels and tags when possible
✔ Offer texture-friendly food options
✔ Introduce new foods slowly and gently
✔ Never force uncomfortable clothing or food

Respecting texture preferences supports confidence, comfort, and emotional wellbeing.

People with Level 1 Autism may easily feel overwhelmed in busy, noisy, or crowded places such as shopping centres, schools, public transport, events, or social gatherings. Too much sensory and social input at once can be exhausting and stressful.

They may:

• Feel anxious, panicked, or confused in crowded spaces
   
• Struggle to concentrate when there is lots of noise or movement
   
• Want to leave suddenly without explanation
   
• Become quiet, irritable, or distressed
   
• Experience sensory overload, leading to shutdowns or meltdowns
   

Helpful Support:
✔ Visit busy places at quieter times
✔ Plan short visits with clear exit options
✔ Use headphones, sunglasses, or comfort items
✔ Take regular breaks in calm spaces
✔ Respect when they need to leave

Understanding and adjusting busy environments helps protect emotional wellbeing and confidence.

People with Level 1 Autism may experience strong anxiety, overwhelm, or frustration in stressful or demanding situations. This can happen when there is too much noise, pressure, uncertainty, or social expectation.

They may:

• Feel nervous, worried, or tense before or during events
   
• Become overwhelmed when too many things happen at once
   
• Struggle to cope with deadlines, changes, or social pressure
   
• Feel frustrated when they cannot express themselves clearly
   
• Show signs of distress such as restlessness, withdrawal, or tears
   

Helpful Support:
✔ Prepare them in advance for stressful situations
✔ Break tasks into small, manageable steps
✔ Offer reassurance and clear guidance
✔ Encourage calming techniques (deep breathing, music, quiet time)
✔ Provide safe spaces to relax and reset

With understanding and the right support, anxiety can be reduced and confidence can grow

People with Level 1 Autism may need extra time to understand and process their emotions, especially after stressful or confusing situations. Feelings may not be clear straight away and can take time to make sense of.

They may:

• Struggle to identify what they are feeling in the moment
   
• Realise later that they were upset, anxious, or hurt
   
• Find it hard to explain emotions immediately
   
• Become quiet or withdrawn while processing
   
• Need time alone to think and recover
   

Helpful Support:
✔ Give them time and space without pressure
✔ Avoid demanding immediate answers
✔ Gently check in later
✔ Use emotion charts or simple words for feelings
✔ Be patient and supportive

Allowing time for emotional processing helps build emotional safety, self-awareness, and wellbeing.

People with Level 1 Autism may sometimes struggle to explain their feelings at the time they are happening, especially when they feel stressed, overwhelmed, or emotional. Their thoughts and emotions can feel confusing, making it hard to find the right words.

They may:

• Go quiet or stop talking when upset
   
• Say “I’m fine” even when they are not
   
• Struggle to describe what is wrong
   
• Feel frustrated because they cannot express themselves
   
• Only be able to explain later, after calming down
   

Helpful Support:
✔ Do not pressure them to talk immediately
✔ Give time to calm and think
✔ Offer simple choices (for example: “Are you sad, angry, or tired?”)
✔ Use visual emotion charts if helpful
✔ Listen patiently when they are ready to speak

With gentle support and understanding, emotional communication becomes easier and safer.

Many people with Level 1 Autism have a strong memory and excellent attention to detail. They often notice things that others may miss and can remember information very clearly, especially about topics they care about.

They may:

• Remember facts, dates, names, or routines very accurately
   
• Notice small changes in environments or patterns
   
• Spot errors or inconsistencies quickly
   
• Learn deeply when interested in a subject
   
• Recall past events or conversations in detail
   

Helpful Support:
✔ Encourage learning through their interests
✔ Use their strong memory for study or work tasks
✔ Praise their accuracy and focus
✔ Give opportunities to use detail skills (organising, checking, planning)
✔ Respect their unique way of thinking

These strengths can be powerful tools for success, confidence, and independence.

Many people with Level 1 Autism show deep focus and strong dedication to the things they care about. When they are interested in a topic or activity, they can concentrate for long periods and learn in great depth.

They may:

• Spend many hours learning about favourite subjects
   
• Collect detailed information or facts
   
• Practise skills repeatedly to improve
   
• Show strong passion and commitment
   
• Become highly knowledgeable in specific areas
   

Helpful Support:
✔ Use their interests to support learning and motivation
✔ Encourage balance between interests and daily responsibilities
✔ Celebrate their expertise and achievements
✔ Connect interests to education or career paths
✔ Respect their passion and enthusiasm

This deep focus can lead to outstanding skills, confidence, and long-term success.

People with Autism Level 1 often show strong natural values of honesty, loyalty, and direct communication. These are not weaknesses — they are powerful strengths.

Many people with Autism Level 1 are naturally honest because they:

• Say what they truly think
   
• Do not like pretending
   
• Avoid manipulation or lies
   
• Value fairness and truth
   

💡 Strength:
They are trustworthy and sincere.

⚠️ Challenge:
Sometimes honesty may sound “too direct” to others.

Example:
“I don’t like this plan. It doesn’t make sense to me.”

People with Autism Level 1 often show strong loyalty by:

• Being very dedicated to friends/family
   
• Keeping promises seriously
   
• Staying committed long-term
   
• Protecting people they care about
   

💡 Strength:
They are dependable and faithful.

⚠️ Challenge:
They may feel deeply hurt by betrayal or rejection.

Example:
“If you are my friend, I will always support you.”

Many people with Autism Level 1 prefer direct communication:

• Clear words, not hints
   
• Straightforward answers
   
• No “hidden meaning”
   
• Honest feedback
   

💡 Strength:
They reduce confusion and misunderstandings.

⚠️ Challenge:
Others may expect indirect or emotional “signals.”

Example:
“Please tell me exactly what you want me to do.”

For Autism Level 1:

🌟 Honesty = Being real
💙 Loyalty = Being committed
🗣️ Directness = Being clear

Together they create:

✅ Strong integrity
✅ Deep trust
✅ Reliable relationships
✅ Respectful boundaries

✔ You can be honest and gentle
✔ Ask for clarity when confused
✔ Explain your intentions
✔ It’s okay to say: “I didn’t mean to hurt you”

✔ Be clear, not vague
✔ Don’t play “mind games”
✔ Respect directness
✔ Appreciate loyalty

“I feel ___ when ___.
I need ___.
Can we ___?”
 

Example:
“I feel confused when plans change suddenly.
I need clear notice.
Can we plan ahead?”

Autism Level 1 is not a lack of emotion.
It is often deep feeling with honest expression.

Many people with Autism Level 1 are:
✨ Loyal friends
✨ Honest partners
✨ Reliable workers
✨ Deep thinkers

People with Autism Level 1 often show strong natural values of honesty, loyalty, and direct communication. These are not weaknesses — they are powerful strengths.

Many people with Autism Level 1 are naturally honest because they:

• Say what they truly think
   
• Do not like pretending
   
• Avoid manipulation or lies
   
• Value fairness and truth
   

💡 Strength:
They are trustworthy and sincere.

⚠️ Challenge:
Sometimes honesty may sound “too direct” to others.

Example:
“I don’t like this plan. It doesn’t make sense to me.”

People with Autism Level 1 often show strong loyalty by:

• Being very dedicated to friends/family
   
• Keeping promises seriously
   
• Staying committed long-term
   
• Protecting people they care about
   

💡 Strength:
They are dependable and faithful.

⚠️ Challenge:
They may feel deeply hurt by betrayal or rejection.

Example:
“If you are my friend, I will always support you.”

Many people with Autism Level 1 prefer direct communication:

• Clear words, not hints
   
• Straightforward answers
   
• No “hidden meaning”
   
• Honest feedback
   

💡 Strength:
They reduce confusion and misunderstandings.

⚠️ Challenge:
Others may expect indirect or emotional “signals.”

Example:
“Please tell me exactly what you want me to do.”

For Autism Level 1:

🌟 Honesty = Being real
💙 Loyalty = Being committed
🗣️ Directness = Being clear

Together they create:

✅ Strong integrity
✅ Deep trust
✅ Reliable relationships
✅ Respectful boundaries

✔ You can be honest and gentle
✔ Ask for clarity when confused
✔ Explain your intentions
✔ It’s okay to say: “I didn’t mean to hurt you”

✔ Be clear, not vague
✔ Don’t play “mind games”
✔ Respect directness
✔ Appreciate loyalty

“I feel ___ when ___.
I need ___.
Can we ___?”
 

Example:
“I feel confused when plans change suddenly.
I need clear notice.
Can we plan ahead?”

Autism Level 1 is not a lack of emotion.
It is often deep feeling with honest expression.

Many people with Autism Level 1 are:
✨ Loyal friends
✨ Honest partners
✨ Reliable workers
✨ Deep thinkers

People with Autism Level 1 often have unique ways of thinking. Many show:

✅ Deep creativity
✅ Powerful logic
✅ Strong focus
✅ Original problem-solving

These are valuable gifts.

Creative thinking means:

• Seeing patterns others miss
   
• Having original ideas
   
• Thinking “outside the box”
   
• Strong imagination in specific interests
   
• Creating music, designs, systems, stories, or solutions
   

💡 Strength:
They often invent new ways to solve problems.

Example:
“I found a better method that nobody tried before.”

Logical thinking means:

• Analysing carefully
   
• Following systems and rules
   
• Spotting errors quickly
   
• Loving facts and structure
   
• Enjoying maths, tech, planning, or research
   

💡 Strength:
They are accurate, reliable, and precise.

Example:
“This plan works because Step A leads to Step B.”

Many autistic thinkers use:

🎨 Creativity → New ideas
🧠 Logic → Make them work

Together, this creates:

✨ Brilliant problem-solvers
✨ Innovators
✨ Designers
✨ Researchers
✨ System-builders
✨ Artists with structure

This is often called “systematic creativity.”

✔ Follow your interests deeply
✔ Write or draw ideas
✔ Build models or systems
✔ Learn step-by-step
✔ Protect focus time

✔ Encourage special interests
✔ Allow quiet thinking time
✔ Respect different methods
✔ Value originality

Ask yourself:

• Do I enjoy solving complex problems?
   
• Do I think in pictures, patterns, or systems?
   
• Do I create new methods or designs?
   
• Do I notice details others miss?
   

If yes → these are strengths.

Many people with Autism Level 1 are:

🌟 Creative engineers
🌟 Logical artists
🌟 System thinkers
🌟 Innovative carers
🌟 Vision builders (like your Just2ofus.uk project 💙)

Your work already shows strong creative structure + logical planning — a perfect example of this balance. 

People with Autism Level 1 often have unique ways of thinking. Many show:

✅ Deep creativity
✅ Powerful logic
✅ Strong focus
✅ Original problem-solving

These are valuable gifts.

Creative thinking means:

• Seeing patterns others miss
   
• Having original ideas
   
• Thinking “outside the box”
   
• Strong imagination in specific interests
   
• Creating music, designs, systems, stories, or solutions
   

💡 Strength:
They often invent new ways to solve problems.

Example:
“I found a better method that nobody tried before.”

Logical thinking means:

• Analysing carefully
   
• Following systems and rules
   
• Spotting errors quickly
   
• Loving facts and structure
   
• Enjoying maths, tech, planning, or research
   

💡 Strength:
They are accurate, reliable, and precise.

Example:
“This plan works because Step A leads to Step B.”

Many autistic thinkers use:

🎨 Creativity → New ideas
🧠 Logic → Make them work

Together, this creates:

✨ Brilliant problem-solvers
✨ Innovators
✨ Designers
✨ Researchers
✨ System-builders
✨ Artists with structure

This is often called “systematic creativity.”

✔ Follow your interests deeply
✔ Write or draw ideas
✔ Build models or systems
✔ Learn step-by-step
✔ Protect focus time

✔ Encourage special interests
✔ Allow quiet thinking time
✔ Respect different methods
✔ Value originality

Ask yourself:

• Do I enjoy solving complex problems?
   
• Do I think in pictures, patterns, or systems?
   
• Do I create new methods or designs?
   
• Do I notice details others miss?
   

If yes → these are strengths.

Many people with Autism Level 1 are:

🌟 Creative engineers
🌟 Logical artists
🌟 System thinkers
🌟 Innovative carers
🌟 Vision builders (like your Just2ofus.uk project 💙)

Your work already shows strong creative structure + logical planning — a perfect example of this balance.

People with Autism Level 1 often have a very high capacity to learn, especially when teaching matches how their brain works. Difficulties are not about intelligence — they are about teaching style, environment, and communication.

Autistic Level 1 learners commonly show:

• Strong pattern recognition
   
• Excellent long-term memory
   
• Deep focus on areas of interest
   
• Logical and analytical thinking
   
• Visual and structured thinking styles
   

When information is clear, meaningful, and structured, learning can be rapid and long-lasting.

Many autistic learners struggle not because they can’t learn, but because:

• Instructions are vague or implied
   
• Too much verbal explanation is used
   
• Learning environments are noisy or chaotic
   
• Social pressure interferes with focus
   
• Teaching moves too fast or too abstractly
   

This can hide true ability.

• Clear, direct instructions
   
• Step-by-step explanations
   
• Written or visual supports
   
• Predictable routines
   
• Time to process information
   
• Calm, low-sensory environments
   

• Visual aids, diagrams, charts
   
• Repetition with purpose
   
• Learning through interests
   
• Practical, real-world examples
   
• Self-paced learning
   

Music can significantly improve learning by:

• Reducing anxiety
   
• Supporting attention and focus
   
• Creating rhythm and predictability
   
• Aiding memory and recall
   

Many autistic learners retain information better when it is paired with music, rhythm, or routine.

With the right approach, Autism Level 1 learners often:

• Learn faster than expected
   
• Develop specialist expertise
   
• Excel in academic, creative, or technical fields
   
• Become independent, skilled adults
   

Support is not about lowering standards — it’s about removing barriers.

Autism Level 1 = high learning potential + different learning pathway

Teach the way the brain learns —
and ability shines.