Level 1 — Requiring Support
Communication works but social nuance, flexibility, and organization are challenging.
Children at Level 1 are often verbal and academically capable but struggle with initiating interactions, reading subtle social cues, switching activities, and managing anxiety. The work here is mostly relational and cognitive.
Best-fit approaches
Day-to-day techniques
- Use visual schedules for transitions even if your child reads — written checklists count.
- Practice perspective-taking through stories: 'How do you think she felt when…'
- Role-play tricky social situations before they happen (birthday parties, group projects).
- Build executive-function scaffolds: timers, checklists, 'launch pads' by the door.
- Normalize stimming. It's regulation, not misbehavior.