Adolescence is a time of stress and confusion. And it is no less so for teenagers with autism. Like all children, they need help in dealing with their budding sexuality. While some behaviors improve during the teenage years, some get worse. Increased autistic or aggressive behavior may occur. It is one way some teens might express their newfound tension and confusion.
The teenage years are also a time when kids become more socially sensitive. Most teens are concerned with acne, popularity, grades, and dates. But teens with autism may be painfully aware that they are different from their peers. They may notice that they lack friends. And unlike their schoolmates, they aren't dating or planning for a career. For some, this realization might prompt them to learn new behaviors. For others, it may cause sadness. Be aware of these changes and check in with your teen so you can offer support.
Adapted from Strock, M. (2004). Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders). NIH Publication No. NIH-04-5511, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, 40 pp. Accessed on April 4, 2006 http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/autism.cfm