Not identifying a developmental condition could show many areas of difficulty for individuals. As mentioned, level 1 (mild) Autism can go undiagnosed, or misdiagnosed as another condition, sometimes for many years. I will discuss some areas, I feel would be impacted if mild Autism was left unidentified. Please also refer to the 'Mapped Diagrams' tab for further explanation.

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We know now that mild Autism can show no signs and individuals can be of normal or higher intelligence. Due to this, parents, teachers, and health professionals may not notice any problems. This is compounded by the ability of most level 1 children and adults to be able to 'mask' their Autistic traits.

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One of the dangers of covering up feelings and hiding your Autistic traits, can lead to a lack of support, as family, friends and Doctors are 'kept in the dark', and it is not until more extreme problems arise, that anything is noticed by someone else. By this stage, problems within the individual may be so dire, that a great deal of effort is required ie Therapy, counselling and/or medication, to turn around the problems.  What could potentionally emerge is: social withdrawl with breakdown or lack of friendships, isolation, impacts on the person's independence, employment issues, financial issues and reliance on family.

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This is why I believe 'masking/camouflaging' coping mechanisms  are so damaging.

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