Formerly Called Asperger's

Level 1 Autism, previously referred to as Asperger's Syndrome under earlier diagnostic frameworks like the DSM-IV, exists as part of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), highlighting the diversity of the condition. Under the DSM-5, autism is categorized into levels of support needs—Level 1 represents individuals who require the least support. Those with Level 1 Autism often exhibit challenges in social communication and restrictive, repetitive behaviors but typically do not have significant language or intellectual delays. Despite their often strong verbal skills and average to above-average intelligence, these individuals still face nuanced struggles with social interactions, communication subtleties, and flexibility in behavior.

The former label of "Asperger's Syndrome" and the term "high-functioning autism" are now considered somewhat misleading or problematic. While these terms aimed to describe those who appeared more outwardly capable or independent, they often minimized the real struggles of individuals with Level 1 Autism. Already listed above is this link to more about the Asperger controversy. 

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Masking

One significant issue is "masking" —a coping mechanism where individuals with Level 1 Autism hide or suppress their autistic traits to appear more "neurotypical." This masking often requires immense mental and emotional effort, leading to exhaustion, anxiety, and even burnout over time. Furthermore, masking can obscure the true challenges that individuals face, delaying diagnosis or leading to unmet support needs, as their struggles may not be externally visible.