The jobs that best align with the strengths of individuals with Level 1 ASD are those that require independent work with opportunities for self-employment. These include computer repair, graphic design, bookkeeping, accounting, engineering, etc.

Strength-Based Careers as a Career-Related Consideration

Assessments which allow individuals to identify their strengths and interests are common practice when it comes to career development. However, when working with students with Level 1 ASD, college counselors should avoid the use of the typical pen-and-paper assessment and instead utilize card sorts. This method helps alleviate the stress that the assessment format may provoke in these individuals.

Career Assessments as a Career-Related Consideration

Submitting an online work portfolio in lieu of an interview allows employers to focus solely on the talents and accomplishments of individuals with Level 1 ASD, de-emphasizing their verbal abilities.

Job Search as a Career-Related Consideration

Individuals with Level 1 ASD should be encouraged to look for jobs in which the environment and company are best able to accommodate for their needs. Friendly and supportive work environments are ideal for such individuals, and this aspect of the job search should be emphasized over finding a specific job.

Work Environment as a Career-Related Consideration

Individuals with Level 1 ASD often struggle with social skills, which makes the interview portion of a job application rather daunting. College counselors can prepare students for interviews through role play, rehearsing possible scenarios, and watching videos. Students are also encouraged to deeply research the job prior to their interview so that they are best able to present the interviewer with appropriate knowledge and questions.

Job Interview as a Career-Related Consideration

College counselors can assist students in gauging when and when not to disclose their disability during an interview. If the individual does choose to disclose, they are only required to provide details on their disability if it results in functional limitations. Potential accommodations in the workplace include periodic breaks throughout the day, alternatives to open cubicles, and limited exposure to ringing phones, as lots of light and sound may lead to sensory overload.

Work Accommodations as a Career-Based Consideration

Self-knowledge is a prerequisite for self-advocacy. College counselors may assist students with Level 1 ASD to engage in self-reflection, which would lead to them being express their needs and desires with employers. This is a key skill in the success of individuals with Level 1 ASD in the workplace.

Self-Knowledge and Self-Advocacy as a Career-Based Consideration

- Strength-based careers
- Career assessments
- Job search
- Work environment
- Job interview
- Work accommodations
- Self-knowledge and self-advocacy

Tulane University

The mildest form, this classification is often referred to as high-functioning. These individuals require the least amount of support, and usually can speak fluently and function reasonably well. Before the DSM-5, this is where Asperger’s Syndrome fell. 

ASD Level 1

Dipeolu, A. O., Storlie, C., &amp; Johnson, C. (2015). College students with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder: Best practices for successful transition to the world of work. Journal of College Counseling, 18(2), 175–190. https://doi.org/10.1002/jocc.12013 

College Students with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder: Best Practices for Successful Transition to the World of Work

- College counselors
- Group counseling
- Videos
- Development of soft skills

Successful Post-College Transition in Students with Level 1 ASD

- Represents the most successful transition to adulthood out of all spectrum disorders
- Most commonly diagnosed in boys
- Age, severity level, and intelligence are the most important variables in predicting the outcomes of students with Level 1 ASD
- The less symptomatic or severe the case, the better the outcomes later in life

Characteristics of Level 1 ASD

- Self-concept
- Self-awareness
- Social perception
- Grooming
- Soft skills
- Negotiation
- Social interaction

Social Deficit Areas in Individuals with Level 1 ASD

- Grooming
- Executive functioning
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Organizers
- Recognizing strengths and weaknesses

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