Autism and Growth: A Guide to Level 1 Autism Through Life’s Stages

Overview: This article illuminates how autism develops over time, with a focus on Level 1 Autism (those needing less support) and the accompanying symptoms through each life stage. 

Autism symptoms, like most other human characteristics, change over time. Because autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder, there are symptoms present throughout a person’s life.   Every autistic person presents in different ways and is affected differently by their symptoms. This article is an overview of how those symptoms commonly present at different stages of development. 


Symptom Progression for Level 1 ASD: 


Early Childhood – 0-5 years old:

Signs of autism that appear during this stage of life often include speech delays, social difficulties, preference for isolated play, minimal imaginative play, repetitive behaviors (repeating phrases, flapping hands, etc), and sensory sensitivities. These symptoms frequently result in a medical or psychiatric diagnosis, but they are often mistakenly diagnosed as ADHD, learning disorders, or early signs of mood disorders. A high-quality assessment in these early years is tremendously helpful in arriving at the correct diagnosis with appropriate care and support for the disorder. 

School Age – 5-10 years old:

Symptoms that manifested in early childhood will further develop – some improve, and others get worse. Oftentimes, autistic school age children will learn to manage sensory sensitivity, emotional struggles, and repetitive behaviors. They may develop coping strategies to better navigate stressful social situations. At this age, socialization is still primarily driven by environment (being in a classroom, on a soccer team, or at a play date scheduled by parents) rather than self-initiated, and it therefore often remains manageable. It is common for restricted interests or unique talents to emerge during this stage of development. As school lessons become more challenging this is also the age where cognitive limitations (such as difficulty with writing or math) can become evident. 

Adolescence – 10-19 years old:

During adolescence it is common for people with autism to learn about the social acceptability of certain behaviors. They may learn to control or reduce repetitive behaviors and sensory sensitivity. Emotion regulation can still be a struggle and may be exacerbated by the increased complexity of socializing. Increased social and academic demands at this stage can be extremely challenging and may lead to the development of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. This is the stage where many autistic individuals will begin to use social “scripts” and may start to “mask” their autism. Restricted interests may be hidden or may shift to become more socially acceptable. 

Young Adulthood – 19 – Late 20’s:

The symptoms for autistic young adults vary widely and are heavily influenced by the support received during earlier stages as well as their individual strengths and adaptation skills. Typically, during young adulthood restricted interests start to vary more widely, emotion regulation improves, and repetitive behaviors lessen. Social and vocational success are highly impacted by finding an environment and peer group that are conducive to productivity and authenticity. For example, if someone is skilled at organizing and using/creating systems they will benefit from a skills-based job. If the person tends to talk more than listen, it is helpful to have a partner or friends that are good listeners. Independent living for Level 1 autistic adults is highly likely if combined with intermittent support when things get particularly challenging to ensure the individual is able to reach their full potential and continued development of life skills.  


Adulthood – Late 20’s onward

The success and independence of adults with autism depends heavily on the growth experienced through their life to this point. Autistic people are especially likely to develop rigid routines – routines that become progressively harder to break as they age. Like anyone, it is critical for an autistic person to be and feel useful and relevant, to find employment they enjoy which  leans on their strengths and causes minimal stress. Maintaining relationships also requires matching with people that are a good fit for the person’s idiosyncrasies. The demands of adulthood shift with age and having a support network to manage and process those shifts is beneficial.  


Conclusion

Autism, like all human characteristics, is unique and different in every individual. The unfortunate reality is that many people seek out help early in their or their child’s life, but people still go undiagnosed and untreated at no fault of their own. While the generality holds true that an early and accurate diagnosis with individual support adapting to each stage of the person’s life is essential to ensure the individual lives their best autonomous life, it is not always possible. Given that, it is most important to get the diagnosis and support whenever the opportunity presents itself, and to take advantage of any resources that one might need when they’re available.