Level 1 autism is one of three support levels in the DSM-5 classification of Autism Spectrum Disorder. It describes autistic individuals who require support — particularly with social communication and behavioral flexibility — but whose challenges may not be immediately visible to others. Level 1 replaced older informal terms including “high-functioning autism” and the former Asperger’s syndrome diagnosis. Importantly, the level describes support needs rather than intelligence, potential, or how much someone struggles internally.