Teens with autism can live happy, fulfilling lives. However, for this to happen, they may require extra support and help in school, social situations, and other activities. For this reason, as a parent, it is important to be able to recognize the signs of autism. This will allow you to know if you should pursue an autism diagnosis for your child, which will in turn help them get the support they need.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
First, let’s take a moment to understand what Autism is. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder which affects how those who have it interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. People with ASD often:
- Have difficulty communicating and interacting with other people.
- Display restricted interests and repetitive behaviors.
- Have difficulty functioning in school, work, and other areas of life.
Symptoms of ASD usually begin showing within the first 2 years of life. For this reason, it is usually considered a developmental disorder. Additionally, there is no link between ASD and any racial, ethnic, or economic background, meaning almost anyone can develop ASD. It is usually a life long disorder, but with the proper treatment, a teen with ASD can learn to function effectively in their day-to-day life.
Signs of Autism in Teen Girls
While boys and girls can display many of the same signs of autism, there can be differences depending on gender. Signs of autism in girls include:
- Subtle Repetitive Behavior: Many people with autism engage in repetitive behaviors. However, in teen girls with autism, this behavior is often very subtle. Examples include picking at skin, compulsively organizing objects, and repeating words.
- Emotional Problems: Teen girls with autism are much more likely to internalize their problems. This leads to anxiety, depression, and an increased risk of suicide.
- Attention Seeking: Teen girls with autism will often engage in disruptive behavior, both in the classroom and at home, in order to receive attention.
It should be noted that teen girls are usually much better at masking symptoms of autism than boys are. Due to this, girls are often diagnosed much later in life. For this reason, it is important to pay very careful attention for signs of autism in teen girls.
Signs of Autism in Teen Boys
On the other hand, signs of autism in boys tend to be much more exaggerated and obvious. This includes:
- Repetitive Behavior: The repetitive behavior seen in teen boys with autism tends to be much more noticeable. Common repetitive behaviors include flapping of the hands and arms, banging their heads on surfaces, and jumping up and down for extended periods of time.
- Social Interaction: Teen boys with autism often have an extremely difficult time with social interaction. They usually have a hard time maintaining eye contact and starting conversations.
- Object Seeking: When teen boys engage in disruptive behavior, it is usually in an attempt to get an object they want. This behavior is often reinforced accidentally by parents. For example, giving your child the toy they want so that they will stop banging their head into the wall.
While the signs in teen boys are less subtle, that is no reason to take a lax approach. You should still be vigilant of any signs of autism in your teenage son.
How to Get Diagnosed with Autism in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, only a qualified medical professional can diagnose your child with autism. This includes pediatric neurologists, developmental/behavioral pediatricians, child psychiatrists, and clinical psychologists. They will conduct a thorough evaluation of your child’s speech, language, communication, and cognitive skills. They will also observe and evaluate your child’s behavior and developmental level. After their evaluation, the medical professional will make a diagnosis based on the standardized criteria published in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM).
Autism and Mental Health: What’s the Connection?
Autistic individuals are more likely to experience mental health conditions than their neurotypical peers. It is believed that this is due to a variety of factors, including challenges in social interaction, sensory sensitivities, difficulty navigating day-to-day life, potential stigma and discrimination, and a lack of understanding from peers. All of these factors combined often causes autistic people to feel lonely, isolated, and stressed. These feelings can lead to the onset of depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). If your teen is diagnosed with autism, it is very important that you keep an eye out for mental health issues. Early intervention is crucial to getting them the help and support they need.