The signs of autism in teens often involve social, communication, and sensory challenges, along with intense interests and rigid routines. These traits can manifest in varying degrees, and early intervention, support, and coping strategies can help teens manage these challenges and improve their social, academic, and emotional well-being.
Signs of autism in teens include:
Social difficulties
Struggles with making friends, interpreting social cues, and understanding humor or sarcasm.
Communication challenges
Limited conversation skills, repetitive speech, or overly formal language.
Repetitive behaviors and restricted interests
Intense focus on specific topics and resistance to changes in routine.
Sensory sensitivities
Over- or under-reaction to sounds, lights, or textures.
Emotional and behavioral issues
Anxiety, depression, difficulty regulating emotions, and black-and-white thinking.
Executive functioning difficulties
Problems with organization, planning, and multitasking.
Motor coordination problems
Clumsiness or poor fine motor skills.
Struggles with Identity and Self-Esteem:
- Difficulty with self-identity: Many teens with autism may struggle with understanding their identity and fitting in with their peer group.
- Low self-esteem: The social difficulties and sensory challenges they face can lead to frustration, which may affect their self-confidence and lead to feeling “different” from their peers.
- Masking or camouflaging: Some teens may learn to “mask” or hide their autistic traits to fit in socially, but this can lead to exhaustion or increased anxiety over time.
Sleep Difficulties:
Trouble falling or staying asleep: Sleep disorders, such as insomnia, are more common in teens with autism, often due to anxiety, sensory issues, or difficulty calming their minds before bed.
