Coping with Autistic Adolescents – Confronting the Challenges of the Teenage Years
For most parents, navigating their child’s teenage years can be an arduous journey. while
Coping with Autistic Adolescents.
Puberty brings about significant physical and mental changes in young adults, and parents often find themselves with limited control over various situations.
When it comes to autistic children, puberty unfolds in a unique manner.
While they may not experience puberty in the same way as their peers, their bodies still undergo significant hormonal shifts.
These changes can have both positive and negative effects, depending on how the child responds to the altered hormone levels.
Among the most concerning outcomes of these bodily changes in autistic individuals is the onset of seizures.
Seizures are a common occurrence throughout an autistic person’s life, but puberty can trigger new episodes due to fluctuating hormone levels.
Surprisingly, violent shaking seizures may not always be a cause for alarm.
Nearly a quarter of autistic children experience seizures, although many go unnoticed as they may not conform to the typical seizure patterns.
If you can identify these seizures in your child, appropriate measures can be taken, and medical professionals can provide better treatment.
However, if the seizures occur subconsciously, both you and your child may be unaware of them.
Undetected seizures can lead to a decline in functioning, which can be particularly devastating if your child has been making progress prior to puberty.
Therefore, regular check-ups during this period are crucial.
However, puberty may not always bring negative consequences.
The hormonal changes and other transformations associated with this phase might actually facilitate growth and success in areas where your autistic child previously lacked skills or interests.
Many parents have observed improvements in behaviour and an easier time learning in social settings.
The key to navigating puberty lies in closely monitoring your child’s changes and seeking guidance from your doctor.
Remember that puberty is a challenging experience for any young adult, and it can be even more demanding for someone with autism.
It is important to exercise patience and understanding with your teenager, while also providing appropriate support to ease the transition from childhood to adulthood.