Being a teenager can be an exciting but challenging time, filled with significant physical, emotional, and social changes. It’s not uncommon for teens to experience mental health issues .
Like all children, adolescents on the autism spectrum also face mental health challenges. If your child is on the autism spectrum, here’s some information that can help you identify when they might be struggling and how you can support them.
Anxiety and depression among adolescents on the autism spectrum
Anxiety and depression are common in young people with autism. In fact, many people on the autism spectrum experience more anxiety and depression than their non-autistic peers. This could be because the way autistic teens socialize with their peers may be different from typical adolescent interactions. Autistic teens may also feel lonely or excluded from social activities.
Noticing changes: behavior as a clue to emotions
As a parent, caregiver, coach, or other important adult in a teen’s life, you can play a pivotal role in supporting their mental health. One of the most important things you can do is pay attention to changes in their mood or behavior patterns.
For example, notice if your child eats or sleeps more or less than usual, spends more time alone, or is less interested in activities they usually enjoy. Some teens will be more emotional when they feel stressed, anxious, or depressed. Some will be less engaged or even withdraw from friends, family, pets, or activities.
The important thing to remember is that noticing changes in behavior is an important clue. All teens handle emotions differently. Autistic teens may have a greater or lesser ability to communicate verbally. Therefore, their behavior will be a key clue as to what might be happening to them.
Autistic teens may display more repetitive behaviors (such as hand flapping) or persist in behavior patterns. If you notice changes, it’s a good time to intervene. You can do this verbally through questions, or nonverbally by approaching them and offering gentle reassurances.
Therapy for adolescents on the autism spectrum
We know that adolescents on the autism spectrum can respond well to standard behavioral therapy , just like their non-autistic peers. Counseling (behavioral therapy) options can work well, including cognitive-behavioral therapy. It’s important to find a counselor who has experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum. There are some helpful adaptations that can increase the effectiveness of counseling for individuals with autism.
Sometimes it can be difficult to know if a teenager is struggling, and even more difficult to know when to intervene as a trusted adult. This applies to all teenagers, whether autistic or not. We know that the mental health crisis is deeply affecting many teenagers trying to navigate their peers and their pressures. It is vital that caring adults pay attention to teens and changes in their behavior and emotions. These changes may indicate a need for support and services that could be lifesaving.
Connecting with the teen and their pediatrician
Families, caregivers, and other adults can listen to and interact with adolescents on the autism spectrum. They can help them feel heard and cared for, and share mental health concerns with their pediatrician.
This is especially important because doctors sometimes fail to recognize the serious mental disorders that coexist with autism spectrum disorder. Some doctors fail to realize that anxiety and depression are common in autism and that it is important to detect, identify, and treat them.
This is where your child’s pediatrician can be critical. When a pediatrician closely follows a child from infancy to adulthood , they are able to support you through critical changes and be an additional advocate when additional support and services are needed. Your pediatrician can play an important role in helping you and your child access the necessary intervention and support. If you are concerned, contact your pediatrician so they can help you and your child understand the best path forward.
Remember
Although mental health issues are common in adolescents on the autism spectrum, that doesn’t mean they will all have an additional mental health diagnosis. Even if your child doesn’t have any issues, it’s always good to check in with them often, talk about their interests, and enjoy time together to relax. These are great ways to foster resilience during times of stress and develop coping skills for the future.