Raising a teenager can be both an exciting and challenging experience. It’s normal to feel unsure of the signs, behaviours and milestones associated with this important stage in life. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is more commonly diagnosed during early childhood, but in many cases it can become more obvious later in life, including during adolescence. Recognising the subtle signs of autism in teenagers is key for helping to ensure they have access to support and treatment options that are most beneficial for them. In this blog post, we’ll provide insight into common signs of autism among teenage years so you’re better equipped on your parenting journey.
Social challenges can have a significant impact on our day-to-day lives. For some, difficulty interacting with peers can be a pervasive issue that affects relationships at school, work and home. Teenagers with undiagnosed autism will find relationships quite hard to understand and navigate; this usually generates a lot of anxiety and avoidance of social situations. Other times, this can lead to a lack of interest in social activities, which can be isolating and discouraging. However, it is important to remember that social skills can be developed and improved with practice and support. Seeking guidance from a trusted mentor, participating in social clubs or groups, or even just trying small social interactions can all help to build confidence and ease in social situations. It's never too late to work towards overcoming social challenges and finding more fulfilling connections with others.
As human beings, we all engage in certain rituals or routines in our daily life. This helps us be more effective and organised and often gives us comfort. However, when these behaviours become excessively repetitive, time consuming, rigid or even odd, they may start to interfere with daily functioning and quality of life. These types of repetitive behaviours can take many forms, such as compulsive hand washing, constant checking, performing certain actions or repeatedly counting objects. The main feature is that these kinds of rituals or routines are rigid and changing them would cause high levels of distress. If you or someone you know is struggling with these repetitive behaviours, it's important to seek professional help to address underlying issues and find effective coping strategies.
Communication is an essential part of any relationship, whether it be personal or professional. However, for some individuals, communication can be a struggle due to delays in understanding and expressing language, especially in regard to the more subtle aspects of communication. Someone with autism may tend to interpret language literally or communicate to have their needs met rather than doing small talk or experiencing pleasure with the company of another person. They also tend to misunderstand or ignore social cues. This can be a frustrating experience for both the individual experiencing the challenge and for those around them. In addition, limited use of non-verbal communication such as eye contact or facial expressions can add to the difficulty of understanding and being understood. It's important to approach individuals experiencing communication issues with patience, empathy, and a willingness to find alternative ways of communication to help bridge the gap. With the right support and understanding, individuals with communication delays can thrive and build meaningful relationships both in their personal and professional lives.
Sensory abnormalities can greatly impact an individual's daily life. Whether it is a heightened sensitivity to light, sound, touch or other sensory input, it can be overwhelming and distressing. Some may seek out certain types of stimulation to cope, while others may avoid them altogether or be distressed by them. It's important to recognise and understand that sensory abnormalities are not just preferences, but rather a neurological process. With proper guidance and support, individuals with sensory abnormalities can develop coping mechanisms and lead fulfilling lives. As a community, we can work towards creating a more sensory-friendly world that accommodates and embraces individuals with different sensory needs.
It's not uncommon for individuals with autism spectrum disorder to have restricted interests. That means that they may develop an intense focus on a narrow topic or activity that they enjoy. For example, someone may become fixated on trains and want to learn everything there is to know about them. While some may view this as unusual or even concerning, it's important to remember that these interests can bring great joy to individuals with autism. These interests can also be beneficial in other areas of life, such as developing a strong attention to detail or fostering a love for learning. At the end of the day, let's celebrate our differences and embrace the unique interests that make us who we are.
Executive functions are those abilities that relate to planning, organising, prioritising and problem solving. Struggling with executive functioning is not easy, as daily tasks as well as work or academic demands can easily become overwhelming. A teenager or young adult with these kinds of difficulties may be very bright or know a subject well, yet, when faced with an assignment or exam paper they may not be able to write much or anything at all. They may become frustrated with tasks like getting ready in the morning, taking a long time to choose what to wear. However, there is no need to feel discouraged or disheartened. With the right set of tools and support, anyone can learn to overcome executive functioning difficulties. Whether it's creating a to-do list or breaking down a larger task into smaller, more manageable steps, there are plenty of strategies that can help make life easier. Remember, it's okay to ask for help and take things one step at a time.
All of these challenges can be managed and even overcome when children with autism have the right support in place. It may take some trial and error to find a treatment plan or interventions that work the best for an individual, but the effort is often worth it. Parents should focus on creating a safe and supportive environment at home, and seek out professionals or organisations that can help develop specific skills to aid in overcoming these challenges. With patience, creativity, understanding, and an unwavering commitment, family members can manage social difficulties and other characteristics associated with autism while improving the quality of life for their child and loved ones. With the right guiding hand, any obstacle can be conquered; no mountain is too high when we persevere together.