Autism Spectrum Disorder in Kids and Teens: What You Need to Know

If you have a child who has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), you may be feeling overwhelmed and frightened. You are not alone. There are many parents out there who are in the same situation as you. It is important to remember that there is help available, both online and in your community. In this blog post, I will discuss some of the most important things that you need to know about Autism Spectrum Disorder. I will also provide links to counseling resources, mental health resources, and therapy resources.

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

ASD is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ASD affects around 1 in 59 kids in the United States. ASD can range from mild to severe, and symptoms can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms of ASD include:

- Difficulty communicating or interacting with others

- Repetitive behaviors

- Unusual interests or fixations

- Sensory issues

It is important to remember that ASD is a spectrum disorder, which means that no two people with ASD will have exactly the same symptoms. Some people with ASD may be nonverbal, while others may speak fluently. Some people with ASD may need very little assistance in their daily lives, while others may require constant care and support.

Cause and Diagnosis of ASD

There is no one cause of ASD. Research suggests that ASD is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is important to remember that there is no single “cause” of ASD, and that there is no way to prevent it.

ASD can be diagnosed by a team of specialists who will observe your child’s behavior and development. There is no one “test” for ASD, but a diagnosis can be made based on your child’s symptoms and how they compare to other children of the same age.

Symptoms

Here's a closer look at some common symptoms of ASD, as well as some strategies for helping your child or teen manage them.

Interests

Kids and teens with ASD might fixate on certain interests or activities. For example, they might become obsessed with trains or cars. While this might seem unusual, it's important to remember that these interests can be a source of joy for your child or teen.

Try to engage with your child or teen's interests and use them as opportunities to bond. For example, if your child is interested in trains, you could visit a nearby train station or take a trip on a scenic railway. Utilise trains and cars to motivate them through learning and skill development.

Sensory needs

Many kids and teens with ASD have sensory processing issues. This means that they might be sensitive to certain sounds, textures, or lights. Others might have trouble staying still or might seek out sensation by repeatedly hitting or flapping their hands.

If your child or teen has sensory processing issues, there are a few things you can do to help them cope. For example, you might want to provide them with noise-cancelling headphones or a weighted blanket. You might also want to avoid taking them to places with loud noises or bright lights. An Occupational Therapist is a professional who can provide a full sensory profile based on their individual sensory needs.

Social skills

One of the most common symptoms of ASD is difficulty with social skills. This means that your child or teen might have trouble making eye contact, reading nonverbal cues, or engaging in back-and-forth conversation.

There are a few things you can do to help your child or teen improve their social skills. For example, you might want to practice role-playing with them or teach them how to make small talk. You might also want to connect them with other kids or teens who have ASD, seek out local community and support groups in your area.

Thinking

Many children and teens with ASD think differently than their neurotypical peers. This means that they might have trouble understanding abstract concepts or might obsess over details. You can help your child or teen by breaking down tasks into small steps and being patient with them. You might also want to provide them with visual aids or other tools that can help them process information.

Emotion

Some children and teens with ASD have difficulty understanding and expressing their emotions. This can lead to outbursts or meltdowns. It can also make it hard for them to form and maintain relationships.

If your child or teen is having trouble with their emotions, there are a few things you can do to help. For example, you might want to teach them how to identify their emotions. You might also want to provide them with a safe space to express their emotions. Take a look at these printable resources you can begin using today that support this process - Autism and Emotions Resources.

Routine and structure

If you have a child or teenager with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you know that routine and structure are important. A regular daily routine can help your child feel safe and secure, and it can be a helpful way to manage behaviors.

That's why it's important to create a daily schedule for your child with ASD. A daily schedule can help your child know what to expect each day and can help reduce anxiety. Here are some tips for creating a daily schedule for your child with ASD:

1. Make sure the schedule is visual. Use pictures or words to represent different activities.

2. Keep the schedule simple. Include only the most important activities.

3. Be flexible. Don't be afraid to change the schedule if it's not working or if your child's needs change.

4. Post the schedule in a place where your child can see it.

5. Review the schedule with your child each day.

Creating a daily schedule is just one way you can help your child with ASD feel more comfortable and reduce anxiety. Check out these printable ones developed by a Behaviour Support Consultant - Routine Charts.

Treatment of ASD

There is no “cure” for ASD, but there are treatments that can help to lessen the symptoms. Some common treatments for ASD include:

- Behavioral therapy

- Speech therapy

- Occupational therapy

- Applied behavioral analysis (ABA)

It is important to remember that every child is different, and what works for one child may not work for another. It is important to work with your child’s team of specialists to find a treatment plan that is right for your child.

Support

If your child or teen has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you might be feeling a range of emotions. You might be scared, confused, and even overwhelmed. But it's important to remember that you're not alone. There are many organisations and support groups available to help families affected by ASD, both online and in your community. Consider government and non-profit organisations, parent groups, online forums or if you reside in Australia, specialists are available through the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

If you think your child or teen might have ASD, talk to your doctor. They can help you get the resources and support your child or teen needs to thrive and live a happy, fulfilling life.

I hope that this blog post has provided you with some helpful information about ASD in kids and teens. Please remember that you are not alone in this journey. Reach out for help when and if you need it.

Rosie 🌹

Autism Resources Available for Kids and Teens