Teens and Autism: Top Ten Things to Know
The teen years can be difficult ones. Throw autism or other special needs into the mix and what do you get? A need for some advice and encouragement from people who know about special needs and teens. People like Agnes Jimenez at My Autism My Voice. She blogs and writes about teens and the stresses in their lives.
Teens and Autism: Ten Facts Parents Need to Know
Here are ten facts Jimenez wants parents to know:
- Because autism is a spectrum disorder, it can manifest as very mild or as severe, with difficult behaviors to manage.
- Asperger Syndrome is on the autism spectrum.
- You can’t pigeonhole autistic teens. They are individuals, like anyone else.
- There is no cure for autism. There are, however, many treatments that can improve the life of a teen.
- There is no known definite cause for autism.
- Usually autism is a lifelong condition. It is not outgrown.
- The families of teens diagnosed with autism need support.
- Choosing a school is critical.
- Unfounded myths about teens with autism abound.
- Autistic children and teens can be highly functional contributors to the world.
Jimenez fleshed out each of the facts in the article Autism in Teens: Top 10 Facts Parents Need to Know, which are summarized above.
Teens and Special Needs: What Facts Do You Want to Communicate?
Do you have a teen with autism or other special needs? What facts have you discovered? How have you learned to not pigeonhole your teens? Leave a comment to encourage other parents raising teens and to inform young parents whose knees are knocking at the prospect of parenting teenagers.
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By Jolene
Jolene Philo is the author of the Different Dream series for parents of kids with special needs. She speaks at parenting and special needs conferences around the country. She’s also the creator and host of the Different Dream website. Sharing Love Abundantly with Special Needs Families: The 5 Love Languages® for Parents Raising Children with Disabilities, which she co-authored with Dr. Gary Chapman, was released in August of 2019 and is available at local bookstores, their bookstore website, and at Amazon. The first book in her cozy mystery series, See Jane Run!, features people with disabilities.
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Hi Richard,
From what you’ve described, the mom needs help advocating for her during IEP meetings with the school where her children attend. You should direct her to the Wrights Law website where she can contact experts with her questions. There are also many, many resources to read. If you have other questions, please let me know.
Jolene
I have been working for several years with a woman with two Autistic daughters ages 10 and 11. She has no income other than assistance/food stamps. The girls go to a “special” school funded by the government, but the personnel at the school just don’t seem to be well-versed in helping autistic kids, siting the fact that “an eleven year-old should be able to go to the bathroom without getting messy”, and “she’s not making the kind of progress we think she should”. I try to give moral support. I also had a collection taken at work to get the girls each iPads to help with communicative skills.
This is about the girls. Their Mom isn’t interested in anything but their welfare. Any thoughts?
Thanks for your suggestion!
As the new year starts, it can be very difficult to get quality time with your children when you are going to and fro for appointments, therapies, sports,… and the list goes on. If pressed for time, start with small steps. Schedule 10-15 minute on the family calendar or your appointment book to read a book, play a game, or just talk with your child. When possible, consider a fun family night, where all members of your family can bond.