Going through the roller coaster of adolescence is a challenge in itself. It is even more difficult and confusing if your teen has some autistic traits as they may feel isolated.
Autistic teens can be very intense in conversation and find it difficult to allow others to participate. They can be very selective and participate only in subjects of interest to them, neglecting the rest. They do not understand sarcasm and cannot easily read the body language of parents and peers. Facial expressions can be confusing to them as they may struggle to make sense of the correlation between facial expressions and emotions.
On occasions, they pose themselves as leaders and find it difficult to share. They may also feel more at ease with adults than among their own peers, become obsessed with rules, and feel really annoyed when people do not follow them.
Teenagers who are on the autistic spectrum have a preference for being alone and may struggle to share or identify their feelings. Some have privileged memory skills, but on the other hand, they may listen to the same song over and over again despite others having acknowledged it and complained about it.
Regarding their language skills, they may express themselves in a robotic way and find it difficult to understand abstract thinking. They may like to prepare meticulously in advance for an event. As they love routine, they may struggle when a change in routine is introduced, making it difficult in some situations, like getting to school if the house-school routine is changed.
Teenagers who are on the autistic spectrum have a preference for being alone and may struggle to share or identify their feelings. Parents can help by focusing on their autistic teen’s strengths and building their internal motivation and confidence
Dr Emma Allende
Some adolescents who meet criteria for autism show hypersensitivity and become overwhelmed with loud noises, avoid wearing specific fabrics, and refuse to eat specific foods like tomatoes due to their texture. Occasionally, they display repetitive movements like flapping hands, rocking, or regularly clearing the throat.
Teenagers with autistic traits may have disturbed sleep patterns. They find it difficult to adjust their behaviour. Sometimes, as they do not understand what is going on in social situations, their levels of frustration increase, and as they find it difficult to regulate their emotions, they may behave aggressively and lash out as a way of releasing the build-up of stress they feel inside.
If they have experienced bullying, they may refuse to go to school. They are more at risk of developing depression, anxiety disorders, or deliberate self-harm behaviours.
Adolescent girls can be more difficult to diagnose as they can mask the symptoms, fit in social situations, do not show repetitive behaviours, and are skilled at hiding their feelings.
How Can Parents Help?
Parents can follow the guidance from positive discipline and emphasise mutual respect with their autistic adolescent child as it can be used as a way of clear communication and predictability, which is much needed in teens with autistic traits.
- State Clear Expectations: Creating consistent routines can help build skills instead of threatening punishment or imposing unnecessary consequences that the autistic adolescent cannot understand or learn from.
- Boost Self-Esteem: Focus on encouraging your teen to increase their internal motivation and confidence in themselves. This breaks down barriers between parents and autistic adolescents and helps them learn from their mistakes constructively.
- Focus on Strengths: Emphasize what your adolescent autistic children are doing right, instead of focusing on what they are doing wrong, and establish supportive boundaries accordingly.
- School Support: Schools can help by making a personalised learning plan. If you would like your teen to be assessed, do not hesitate to contact your GP, school, or other professionals who will guide you through the process. Schools can also offer extra time in exams and other support systems.
