Autism is often associated with early childhood diagnoses. However, many teenagers and even adults come to realize they may have autism later in life. Getting an autism diagnosis as a teenager can be a significant step toward understanding one’s experiences, challenges, and strengths.
The teenage years can be particularly complex due to social pressures, emotional development, and academic demands, and having clarity about an autism diagnosis can provide a roadmap for better support.
As such, we’re going to explore the steps for getting an autism diagnosis as a teenager to improve the quality of life for teens and their families.
Recognizing Signs of Autism in Teenagers
Autism often manifests differently in each person, and for some, the signs may not become apparent until adolescence. Teenagers may have developed coping strategies during childhood that masked certain signs of autism, or they might have struggled silently without receiving the support they needed.
Common signs of autism in teenagers include social interaction challenges, intense focus on specific interests, repetitive behaviors, sensory sensitivities, and communication challenges.
Teens with autism may struggle to read social cues, have trouble making and maintaining friendships, or experience overwhelming anxiety in social settings.
While many teenagers can be shy, socially awkward, or introverted, those on the autism spectrum often find these experiences more intense and persistent. The key difference is that these behaviors in teens with autism are not just phases of adolescence; they are part of the core way these individuals process the world.
Here are some common signs of autism in teenagers:
Common Signs of Autism in Teenagers
- Difficulty with Social Communication: They may have trouble understanding jokes, sarcasm, or metaphors, which can make social interactions challenging. They might also find it hard to initiate or sustain conversations, preferring structured or solitary activities instead.
- Repetitive Behaviors or Routines: Some teens may develop specific routines or habits they feel strongly compelled to follow. This can include repetitive movements, rituals, or the need for rigid schedules.
- Sensory Sensitivities: Certain textures, sounds, or bright lights may feel overwhelming. These sensory challenges can lead to discomfort or distress in everyday situations.
- Focused Interests: Teens with autism may become intensely interested in specific topics or activities, to the point of excluding other hobbies or conversations.
- Emotional Regulation Difficulties: Outbursts of frustration or feeling overwhelmed are common, as managing emotions can be more challenging for some teens with autism.
If you or your teen are noticing these traits and they have persisted over time, it may be worth exploring an autism diagnosis.
Steps for Getting an Autism Diagnosis as a Teenager
The process of getting an autism diagnosis as a teenager involves multiple steps, and it’s important to approach it systematically to ensure an accurate and thorough evaluation. Here’s how it goes:
Recognize the Need for an Evaluation
The first step is recognizing that there may be traits of autism present. Whether a teenager notices these traits in themselves or their parents or teachers suspect autism, it’s important to acknowledge the possibility of autism and start a conversation with a healthcare provider.
This can be a sensitive process, especially if the teen has been struggling silently for a long time. It’s important to create an open, non-judgmental environment where the teenager feels comfortable discussing their experiences and challenges.
Consult a Primary Care Physician
Once the signs of autism are recognized, the next step is to consult with a primary care physician or pediatrician. A doctor can provide an initial assessment and refer the family to a specialist for a comprehensive evaluation.
While primary care physicians may not be able to diagnose autism on their own, they are essential in directing families toward the appropriate professionals.
Seek a Specialist for a Full Evaluation
A comprehensive autism evaluation is typically conducted by specialists, such as developmental pediatricians, child psychologists, psychiatrists, or neurologists. These professionals are trained to identify the traits of autism and will conduct a series of tests and assessments to make a diagnosis.
During the evaluation, the specialist will review the teen’s developmental history, behavioral patterns, and any challenges they face in daily life. The evaluation may include:
- Interviews with parents and the teenager to understand developmental milestones, behavior at home and school, and how the teenager relates to peers.
- Standardized tests to assess social skills, communication abilities, and cognitive functioning.
- Observations of the teenager’s interactions to evaluate their social and communication behaviors.
These assessments help provide a holistic view of the teen’s strengths and challenges, leading to an accurate diagnosis.
Receive the Diagnosis
After the evaluation, the specialist will determine whether the teenager meets the criteria for autism spectrum disorder. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the next steps will involve discussing treatment options and support services.
The specialist will also help explain the diagnosis in a way that makes sense to both the teenager and their family.
Create a Plan for Support
A diagnosis is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a new chapter. Once autism is confirmed, it’s essential to create a personalized support plan for the teenager. This may include educational accommodations, therapy, social skills training, and family counseling.
The goal of the support plan is to help the teenager navigate the unique challenges they face while also building on their strengths. Teens with autism often have special talents and abilities that can be nurtured once their needs are fully understood.
Moving Forward After a Diagnosis
After receiving an autism diagnosis, teenagers should know that their diagnosis does not define them. Autism is just one part of who they are, and while it may explain certain behaviors or challenges, it doesn’t limit their potential.
Acceptance and understanding are key to moving forward. Families should work together to create a supportive environment that encourages teenagers to embrace their strengths and seek help when needed.
Schools, peers, and social networks also play an important role in creating an inclusive environment where autistic teens can feel valued and understood.
Getting an autism diagnosis as a teenager can be life-changing positively. It allows teenagers and their families to understand their unique experiences and challenges more clearly, opens the door to essential support and services, and helps teens build a sense of identity based on their strengths.
Though the process may take time and effort, a diagnosis can ultimately improve the quality of life for both the teenager and their loved ones. At Golden Care Therapy, we understand the challenges that come with seeking a diagnosis and are here to support you every step of the way. If you’re looking for an ABA center in New Jersey, New York, Georgia, and Indiana, we invite you to reach out to us. Our dedicated team is ready to help you navigate this journey and provide the resources you need for success. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you and your family.
Sources:
https://thespectrum.org.au/autism-diagnosis/checklist-teenagers/
https://www.healthline.com/health/autism-in-teens
https://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/what-to-know-about-autism-spectrum-disorder-teens
