The teenage years are a time of transformation, and for teens on the spectrum, they can be especially challenging. If you’re concerned about your teen’s journey through puberty, you are not alone. Dealing with autism in teens can be tricky, but it’s not impossible.
Unfortunately, autism doesn’t take a backseat during the tumultuous teenage years. Because of that, this article will help you gain a better understanding of the signs of autism in teens and share some useful tips on how to make this phase easier for everyone.
If you’d like to learn more about autism in teenage years, you can download your free guide here:
Signs of autism in teens
Autism in teens symptoms may show through communication and behavior at school and at home. But what are some of the most common signs?
Verbal signs of autism in teens:
- difficulty engaging in two-way conversations,
- talking about specific topics and refusing to talk about things that do not interest them,
- taking things literally,
- speaking with an accent, in a monotone, or with a singsong voice,
- using unusual vocabulary,
- having a hard time following instructions.
Common non-verbal signs of autism in teens:
- difficulty reading non-verbal cues like tone of voice, gestures, and body language,
- using minimal eye contact, especially when talking to others,
- very limited/few facial expressions.
Signs of an autistic teenager’s behavior:
- wanting to spend time on their own rather than with friends,
- not understanding social expectations, like making friends,
- having few or no friends,
- preferring to talk to people older than them,
- having no concept of personal space.
How is autism diagnosed in teens?
The process of getting diagnosed with autism during the teenage years is no different from that of getting a diagnosis at an early age. Still, testing for autism in teens may involve more questions about the teen’s behavior in school and how they interact with peers.
A formal diagnosis of autism in teens might involve one or more experts in the field of ASD, such as:
- developmental pediatricians,
- psychiatrists,
- psychologists,
- occupational therapists, and
- speech pathologists.
The diagnostic procedures can include the following:
- an interview with a parent or caregiver;
- actual observation of all interactions with others;
- a physical exam to rule out other medical conditions;
- a developmental screening (assessing developmental progress from infancy to the present)
Once a teen is diagnosed, a qualified pediatrician can recommend how to proceed with beneficial behavioral therapies and treatments.
Differences in autism in teenage boys and girls
Recent studies highlight significant gender differences in how autism manifests, often leading to undiagnosed cases in girls.
Research has found that autistic symptoms in girls can go unnoticed, especially when they have normal intelligence levels, allowing them to “mask” their symptoms.
Cultural perceptions also play a role. Quiet and non-responsive behavior in girls might be considered feminine and well-behaved, whereas similar behavior in boys may be seen as unusual or different.
Boys are four times more likely to receive an autism diagnosis. Theories suggest genetic factors may contribute, as girls may be genetically less prone to inherit autism, demonstrating resilience to genetic mutations.
Autism and puberty
It’s important to understand that puberty happens regardless of the developmental delays of a child with autism. Puberty typically starts at the age of 12 for girls and 14 for boys, but may be earlier for some.
Parents, family members, and caregivers of teenagers with autism should be prepared for physical, emotional, and psychological changes. On top of that, it’s important to help teenagers understand sexuality and the importance of hygiene.
Teenagers with autism experience attraction and sexual urges. It’s common for them to masturbate, so it’s crucial to teach them about appropriate places for these activities.
It’s also important to communicate key points, such as:
- not exposing themselves in public,
- setting boundaries for physical contact, and
- avoiding participation in inappropriate sexual activities in groups.
Common challenges in autistic teens
Autism can greatly affect a teenager in all aspects of their lives. At a time when one experiences physical changes and social milestones, autistic teens can have a hard time coping and dealing with multiple life events.
Potential challenges for a teen with autism include:
- Difficulty following complex school routines
- Rebellious demeanor at home and in school
- Unable to make friends because of poor hygiene
- Difficulty understanding romantic and sexual feelings
- Giving in to peer pressure without realizing the consequences
- Becoming a target of bullying due to poor social and communication skills
There is no telling what surprises await parents who have teenagers with autism, but keeping open communication between parent and child can make these challenges easier to manage.
However, some teens can be stubborn and resist a parent’s guidance. When autistic behavior in teenagers becomes too much to handle, parents can seek help from a counselor or psychologist.
Activities for teens with autism
Outdoor activities and sports can help autistic teens take a break from their routine. It can also help them learn new things outside the classroom, which is great for self-esteem.
Some structured activities that would be great for autistic teens are:
- Summer camp
- Swimming
- Yoga
- Soccer
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Theater workshops
- Art class
Safety should always be a priority when enlisting teens with autism in these activities. Because some teens with autism have no concept of danger, they need adult supervision when performing potentially dangerous tasks like swimming or wall climbing.
Therapy for autism in teens
Treating autism in teens can sometimes be different from treating younger children. Specialized programs focus on the specific needs of teens with autism.
The treatments aim to:
- Help the person go through puberty
- Develop self-esteem and make new friends
- Understand and manage sexual and romantic feelings
- Manage mood changes
There are many treatment options for teens with autism, including:
- Social skills training: Teaches teens to deal with social situations appropriately. Participants are taught to read non-verbal cues, solve social problems, and understand relationship rules.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Psychosocial intervention that seeks to improve mental health. This collaborative therapy can help people find new ways to behave by changing thought patterns.
- Modeling: Demonstrates appropriate behavior in social contexts, guiding teens on social interactions, greetings, goodbyes, and essential self-care tasks.
- Self-management techniques: Aim to help people with autism become independent as they navigate their daily tasks.
- Applied behavior analysis: ABA therapy for autistic teens focuses on enhancing social skills, communication, and behavior management through personalized and evidence-based interventions.
Advice for parents of autistic teens
Navigating the teenage years with an autistic child may present unique challenges, but it’s crucial for parents to stay informed, foster open communication, and seek support from professionals and communities.
Embracing autism, understanding individual strengths and needs, and providing a supportive environment can empower both parents and autistic teens on their journey toward adulthood and a fulfilling life.
FAQs
Q: How do you calm an autistic teen?
A: Create a calm, predictable environment and use clear, reassuring communication. Sensory tools, quiet spaces, or preferred activities can help reduce overwhelm and restore emotional balance.
Q: What are the signs of autism in a 14-year-old boy?
A: Signs may include difficulty with social interactions, repetitive behaviors, intense interests, and sensitivity to sensory input. He might also struggle with changes in routine or expressing emotions.
Q: What is high-functioning autism in teens?
A: High-functioning autism refers to autistic teens who have average or above-average intelligence and strong verbal skills but still face challenges with social cues, flexibility, and sensory sensitivities. They may mask difficulties, which can lead to stress or anxiety.
Q: What are the signs of mild autism in teens?
A: Mild autism in teens often appears as subtle social difficulties, such as trouble understanding sarcasm or body language, and a preference for routine. They may have focused interests and show signs of sensory sensitivity without significant language or intellectual delays.
Other articles you may be interested in:
- Shaping the Future: Grandparents Diagnosing Autism
- Signs of Autism? Don’t Be Scared of the A-Word
- Signs of Undiagnosed Autism in Adults
- How did I know my daughter was autistic?
- Autism Face: Are There Physical Signs?
- Do Babies with Autism Smile? Recognizing the Early Signs
- Is Chewing Clothes a Sign of Autism?
References
Abnormal speech spectrum and increased pitch variability in young autistic children
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3024839/
Behavioral and cognitive characteristics of females and males with autism in the Simons Simplex Collection
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24565360/
Sex Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Focus on High Functioning Children and Adolescents
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.539835/full
A Higher Mutational Burden in Females Supports a “Female Protective Model” in Neurodevelopmental Disorders
https://www.cell.com/ajhg/fulltext/S0002-9297(14)00059-7
Changes and Challenges of Puberty in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder, 2022.
https://dsr.ju.edu.jo/djournals/index.php/Edu/article/view/3352
Meta-Analysis on Intervention Effects of Physical Activities on Children and Adolescents with Autism, 2020.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7142971/
Perception of Social Cues of Danger in Autism Spectrum Disorders
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3852523/
Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children and Adolescents
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5044466/
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review, 2020.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33888566/
