Adolescents With ASD
When your child or your student with Autism Spectrum Disorder reaches adolescence, you will likely be faced with many new issues. As this stage of life marks the beginning of puberty, the child’s body is undergoing many changes including the change in levels of hormones creating body changes and mood swings. In addition to puberty, this is also a very socially awkward time for many children.
It is important to remember that children with autism are children first and their bodies are undergoing changes just like every other child. All adolescents, including adolescents with ASD, need additional support and guidance through this time of their lives. The support we provide to adolescence with autism may be a little different depending on their level of ability, but we have the responsibility to help children understand the changes their bodies are undergoing and how to deal with the changes in social situations. Rather than deny that these children are going through puberty and entering adolescence which we all have experienced, we need to make sure that adolescence with ASD are given the same support as every other child.