As someone with years of experience supporting individuals diagnosed with autism and their families, I am excited to share with you some information I believe is helpful to remember when navigating the unique challenges of adolescence. In this article, we will explore the challenges faced by teenagers with high functioning autism and discuss strategies to provide them with the understanding and support they need to thrive. Let’s dive in!
Understanding High Functioning Autism:
Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals in various ways. While each person’s experience is unique, common characteristics include difficulties with social interactions, communication, repetitive behaviors or limited interests.
Before being categorized as a spectrum disorder, Autism had a separate diagnosis known as Asperger’s Syndrome. Individuals who may have previously received the diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome would now be considered to have high-functioning autism. While there is no official clinical distinction between autism and high-functioning autism, the term is commonly used to highlight individuals who may have fewer challenges in areas such as language and cognitive abilities than their lower- or moderate-functioning diagnosed ASD peers.
Nonetheless, it’s important to remember that the focus should be on understanding and supporting individuals with autism, regardless of the specific label or terminology used. Remember, autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning that it varies widely from person to person. Each individual with autism has unique strengths, challenges, and support needs.
Challenges Faced by Teens with High Functioning Autism:
Teenage years can be particularly challenging for individuals with high functioning autism. Adolescence is a time of significant social and emotional development, which can be overwhelming for anyone. However, for teens with autism, navigating these changes can be even more complex. Some common challenges include:
- Social Interactions: Teens with high functioning autism may struggle with understanding social cues, making friends, and maintaining relationships. They may find it challenging to interpret non-verbal communication, such as body language or facial expressions.
- Communication: Difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication can hinder effective expression and understanding. Teens with high functioning autism may have a literal understanding of language, struggle with sarcasm or figurative speech, or have difficulty initiating or sustaining conversations.
- Sensory Sensitivities: Many individuals with high functioning autism experience sensory sensitivities, which can make certain environments or stimuli overwhelming. This can lead to anxiety, meltdowns, or withdrawal from social situations.
- Emotion Regulation: Another challenge associated with high functioning autism is difficulty recognizing and understanding emotions in themselves and others, struggling with empathy and perspective-taking, and experiencing difficulties in expressing their own emotions appropriately.
- Access to Support: At times, individuals with high functioning autism can fly under the radar, so to speak. It is not uncommon for individuals who have high functioning autism to present more like non-ASD diagnosed individuals which may hinder awareness that additional support is needed. This in itself can be especially challenging because others, such as teachers for example, who may not know a student has ASD, can hold these individuals to standards that are not realistic based on their individual needs or learning styles.
Supporting Teens with High Functioning Autism:
Now that we have a better understanding of the challenges faced by teens with high functioning autism, let’s explore some strategies to provide them with the support they need:
- Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about high functioning autism among peers, teachers, and the community can foster understanding and acceptance. Encouraging open conversations and dispelling misconceptions can create a more inclusive environment. It can also be helpful for the individual diagnosed with high functioning autism to gain better awareness of what this diagnosis means and how challenges they face may differ from that of their peers.
- Individualized Support: Recognize that each teen with high functioning autism is unique, and their support needs may vary. Collaborate with educators, therapists, and parents to develop individualized education plans (IEPs) and therapeutic treatment goals that address their specific strengths and challenges.
- Social Skills Training: Providing opportunities for social skills training can help teens with high functioning autism develop strategies for navigating social interactions. Role-playing, communication exercises, group activities, and social clubs can offer a safe space for practicing social skills and building friendships.
- Sensory-Friendly Environments: Creating sensory-friendly environments at home, school, and in the community can help reduce sensory overload. This can include providing quiet spaces, minimizing fluorescent lighting, or using visual schedules to enhance predictability.
- Emotional Support: Encourage open communication about emotions and provide a safe space for teens to express their feelings. Teaching emotional language, awareness, and regulation techniques; offering access to counseling or therapy can be invaluable in supporting their mental well-being.
Navigating high functioning autism in teens requires understanding, patience, and a commitment to providing the necessary support. By fostering awareness, individualizing support, and creating inclusive environments, we can empower these remarkable individuals to reach their full potential. Let’s work together to create a world where every teenager, regardless of their diagnosis, can thrive!
