Surviving Teenage Autism

There are many books on the shelves of the local bookstore that are survival guides for parents of teenagers. And for good reason! For both parents and children, adolescence is the most difficult. We were there to remind us what it is (although sometimes it seems as if we’ve forgotten). The changes we tend to focus most of our attention on those who are going but what are the internal changes that we all go through it can cause more distress, regardless of ability level or the disability. For parents, one of the hardest things to face is the lack of control over the situation. This danger is compounded for parents of adolescents with autism as many of these children mature physically on the schedule, but it is clear they are not equipped to cope emotionally with everything that it can bring. It may indeed foster extreme reactions and parents must be prepared. 

It is a little known fact, but about one third of adolescents on the autism spectrum suffer the onset of seizures. Even if the youth has never been any kind of seizure in life, they may begin at that time of life. Fortunately, they usually end when puberty is over but it can be very scary during those years. Obviously, if you notice your child even having tremors, you should consult a doctor about whether this activity could be seized. If it is, there are medications available to treat and should be treated as a series of crises may be some loss of functioning. and, as parents of autistic children know, it is devastating to go “backwards” when we worked so hard to keep our children as much progress as possible. 

A possible positive effect of these extra hormones in adolescents is that your autistic child may indeed have a growth spurt and development. Again, do not focus only on external changes in your child, but keep track of how he or she is developmentally. You may even see a new skill or interest occurs when there had been nothing! Lakes – enjoy and give your child the opportunity to continue to grow and develop. Monitor any changes in your child and stay in close contact with professionals in the life of your child so you can ask questions and provide information as required. 

If your child does not belong to a group of social skills before puberty, then it is certainly time to question him. Here in San Diego, CA, we have a number of community resources for persons with disabilities. Look around your community and you might be surprised what you find! Remember to find that delicate balance between what is age appropriate and that your child can handle given their level of development and experience. Get suggestions from other parents of children with special needs, perhaps through support groups, is the best way to quickly find these opportunities and get involved. 

Puberty and adolescence are difficult for everyone. When you have a disability, it is even harder. Take advantage of people and resources in your community – reach out and give your child the benefit of what is in his own garden. Focusing on the transition from child to young adult and discuss what your child should learn to be safe. Be patient – this too will pass! 

I am the mother of 3 wonderful children – Sam (21), Lucy (19) and Mac (16). Sam has autism. It is quite high functioning, although the skills and abilities that are important today were not always so! Sam is indeed the result of countless hours of processing time, patience, diligence, persistence and love by many people in many contexts. My experiences while learning to cope with many different organizations, support groups, professionals, etc. led me to my current profession. I have been supporting families for almost 16 years, 8 as a professional.