What is the difference between Asperger Syndrome and ASD Level 1?

No. It was once the dividing line between 'high functioning autism', with speech delay, and Asperger's, without speech delay. If they are using DSM-5 ASD, they really need to read the diagnostic criteria contained in it and not just invent stuff. No-one now gives diagnoses of Asperger's, it is all ASD (or ASC). The criteria they are quoting do not exist for diagnosis of ASD Level 1. Diagnostic criteria are summarised as: “persistent difficulties with social communication and social interaction” and “restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviours, activities or interests” (this includes sensory behaviour), present since early childhood, to the extent that these “limit and impair everyday functioning”.  Nowhere does this include delay in speech and language acquisition or low academic achievement. At best the school are putting their own limits on to whom they give support and passing this off as being clinically sanctioned. At worst they are entirely uninformed about ASD diagnostic criteria. Presumably, there is  no-one at the school who is qualified to give a clinical opinion? In which case their criteria are invalid anyway.

A clinical assessment would be the best thing for the child. In the meantime there are a number of AQ tests for autistic traits available online, getting scores within the autistic range might give some leverage over the school.

Martin said:

No-one now gives diagnoses of Asperger's, it is all ASD (or ASC).

Wrong. Diagnoses of AS still take place as ICD-10 is still a current publication.

 “persistent difficulties with social communication" - could be interpreted as speech and language delays.

“limit and impair everyday functioning” - could be interpreted as behind academically in the main subjects.

The International Classification of Diseases 11 was published this year and it adopted the same approach to autism spectrum disorder as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5. the International Classification of Diseases 11 has put Classical Autism, Aspergers & Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified into a single Diagnosis of Autism spectrum disorder. which on a previous thread i tried explaining was happening.  

No one is being diagnosed with Aspergers since 2018 however those who where previously given the diagnosis still use the diagnosis as it is what they where statemented with. 

Know the information your using to distinguish the difference between autism and aspergers is out of date by about a decade. the inconsistency in early development was recognised as no longer be a sure indication of the criteria for the diagnosis as Brain and MRI imaging has showed in the last few years.   

I'm guessing they are waiting for ICD-11 to gain greater usage in the NHS first. Whether you like the NHSs term usage or not uk charities and public bodies are generally going to adopt their terms for the sake of clarity and consistency.

I'm guessing they are waiting for ICD-11 to gain greater usage in the NHS first. Whether you like the NHSs term usage or not uk charities and public bodies are generally going to adopt their terms for the sake of clarity and consistency.