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Not sure how to talk to someone with Level 1 autism? Here’s a guide for communicating clearly, removing potential obstacles, and building rapport.
Communication enables us to collaborate, share laughter, and make memories with people in all areas of our lives. Everyone has personal preferences regarding communication styles, and the same applies for children and adults with level 1 autism. In many ways, talking to a child or adult with level 1 autism is the same as speaking with someone who is not on the autism spectrum. It doesn’t matter who you’re talking to – in the end, meaningful connections come when we communicate with patience, respect, and understanding.
Supporting an individual on the autism spectrum might involve attentive listening, offering practical assistance, or, when appropriate, accessing professional support, like an autism social worker.
The different types of autism, once categorized separately, are now classified as a sliding scale known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD includes three levels, described in terms of support required.
Individuals with level 1 autism may require support from adults, peers, or professionals in a variety of situations, such as when changing routines. Another common area for support is communication with others, be it verbal interaction with other people or reading social cues.
Understanding non-verbal communication – such as body language – or maintaining small talk may also present difficulties for some with level 1 autism.
It's important to remember that autism is a spectrum, and each person’s experiences, strengths, and skills are unique.
The CDC reports that approximately 1 in 36 children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder, and boys are nearly four times more likely to show signs of ASD than girls.
In general, individuals with level 1 autism tend to display strong problem-solving skills, above-average intelligence, and a deep knowledge of subjects that interest them. They often perform tasks independently and are successful in school and work.
Some level 1 autism symptoms may include:
Again, these characteristics and challenges vary greatly among people with level 1 autism. Each individual’s strengths and ways of interacting with the world look different, so paying attention and listening is important.
There are several practical approaches to effectively communicate with an individual who is on the autism spectrum. A good first step is to prepare before having a conversation.
Many people with level 1 autism have greater sensitivity to noise, crowds, harsh lighting, and other stimuli. Being considerate of the conversational environment can lead to better interactions.
Some ways to set the stage for your conversation include:
If you are aware of an upcoming important conversation with a person with level 1 autism, it’s beneficial to think about what you want to achieve with the conversation. This can help minimize misunderstandings or meandering topics.
For example, if you want to get to know the person better, you can prepare a few thoughtful questions about their interests.
Having a clear purpose and conversation goal can help guide your communication.
Like any conversation, it can be helpful to repeat back important elements of the conversation. Focus statements on what you heard, rather than “but you said…,” which could come off as accusatory.
For example, if discussing plans for a birthday, you might repeat back, “Okay, I’m hearing that what’s important to you is having quiet time to rest before it’s time for cake. Is that right?”
In the same way, you can ask the other person to share what they heard. When having a task-oriented discussion, this helps ensure everyone is on the same page for the next steps. For example, if discussing after-school plans, you might ask, “To make sure I heard you correctly, can you recap what you’re going to do after school today?
When talking to someone with level 1 autism, be clear, patient, and observant. Remember to listen in order to connect more deeply.
Here are some tips to consider:
Remember that nonverbal communication strategies can vary for people with autism. For example, what might seem like a lack of eye contact doesn't necessarily mean disinterest. Observe cues and the overall context while remaining engaged and patient as the conversation unfolds.
No matter who you’re speaking with, building a positive connection takes time and effort. When interacting with someone with level 1 autism, focusing on trust and mutual respect is particularly important.
To build rapport, consider the following:
By consistently demonstrating empathy, exploring shared interests, and honoring personal boundaries, you can cultivate a foundation of trust and positivity when communicating with an individual with level 1 autism.
While aiming for clear and respectful communication, it's also helpful to be aware of certain communication styles and habits that can unintentionally create barriers.
Idioms, sarcasm, or other forms of abstract language such as metaphors can be confusing for people with level 1 autism. These communication styles can signal something you didn’t intend, or lead to frustration and misunderstandings.
Sarcasm, in particular, relies on implied meaning and tone, which can be easily misinterpreted. Direct and literal communication is generally more effective and less likely to lead to confusion.
Misunderstandings can happen in any conversation. However, differences in communication styles might increase the chance of this occurring with someone on the autism spectrum. It’s important to remember that communication and clarity are important for both parties.
We’ve all had hard conversations: You know what needs to be said. But saying it politely, with tact, or without hurting the other person’s feelings can be difficult. As a result, we often end up hoping the other person will read between the lines, rather than addressing the issue head-on.
Don’t make assumptions in your communication, or leave things open to interpretation.
If you sense a misunderstanding, gently try to clarify. Rephrase what you said in a different way or ask the other person to explain what they said in a different way.
Sometimes, simply restating your point through more direct language – while maintaining empathy – is all it takes to resolve confusion.
Avoid making assumptions about what someone with level 1 autism knows or understands. Speak clearly and directly, without relying on unspoken cues, innuendos, or hints.
Be patient and allow ample time for responses, as processing information and formulating thoughts may take longer.
Remember also that nonverbal communication may differ from neurotypical patterns, so avoid drawing quick conclusions based solely on body language or eye contact.
Some people on the autism spectrum may speak more directly. It doesn’t mean that they don’t care about you and your feelings. Rather than jumping to offense, remind yourself of the big picture.
It’s easy for any of us to misconstrue another person’s words or intent. When in doubt, remember the acronym “API - Assume Positive Intent.”
Remember, even as adults, it’s easy for our feelings to get hurt. If you feel this happening, try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes, and assume they spoke with caring, helpful, or productive intentions.
These communication strategies focus on developing clear understanding, providing support, and encouraging open communication.
Active listening goes beyond hearing what someone is saying or waiting for your turn to speak. It shows genuine interest and participation when having a conversation.
Engage actively by paying full attention to the individual. Make eye contact if it feels comfortable for both of you. If not, focus your attention respectfully. Use nonverbal cues like nodding to show you are engaged in what is being said. If you feel your mind wandering, focus on what questions you can ask.
Acknowledge and validate the person's emotions, even if you don't personally understand them.
Reflecting your understanding of their feelings is effective. Saying something like, "That sounds really frustrating," or "That would make me sad too," can be very validating. Offer support in ways that are genuinely helpful to them, and keep practicing empathy.
Don't hesitate to ask for clarification if something is unclear. You can say things like, "Could you tell me more about that?" or "I want to make sure I understand correctly."
If you feel the other person isn't understanding you, try rephrasing your message in a different way. Using simpler language or providing an example can be helpful.
If you need to offer feedback to someone with level 1 autism, do so in a kind and direct manner. Focus on specific behaviors or situations, rather than making general statements.
For instance, instead of saying "You need to be more organized," you could say, "I noticed you completed all the steps for this task. What do you think of next time, trying [specific organizational strategy] to help keep track of everything?"
Remember that building trust helps in giving constructive feedback to anyone, regardless of whether or not they have autism.
Recognizing and respecting emotions is vital.
Let the person know that it's okay to express their feelings, whatever they may be. Cultivate an environment where they feel safe and supported in sharing their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment.
Encourage open dialogue by asking open-ended questions, such as "How did that experience make you feel?" or "What are your thoughts on this?"
Building social skills and engagement can help individuals with level 1 autism feel more connected and included. This can lead to better individual conversations as their social skills grow.
Group conversations can sometimes be challenging, but you can help by ensuring everyone has a chance to speak. You can also explicitly invite the person with level 1 autism to share their thoughts.
Emphasizing clear, patient, and respectful interactions is important in all communication. In fact, many techniques, such as active listening and showing empathy, are valuable tools for successful communication with anyone, in both personal and work settings.
By focusing on clarity, genuine engagement, and respect for individual differences, you can build stronger connections in any relationship.
Every person with autism deserves a chance to thrive, and developing communication and social skills is one way to ensure that happens.
Explore Sevita’s Adult or Children’s Autism Services today to see how you can support your loved one.
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