yellow banner with a young girl with headphones drawing

Youth (12 to 18 years):

Seeking Identity. Facing New Challenges and Embracing the Future.

Adolescence, spanning from 12 to 18 years, represents a phase of unique metamorphosis and complexity in human development. Children transform into teenagers and then into young adults amidst significant hormonal, psychological, and social changes. Adolescence is particularly complex for young individuals within the autism spectrum, filled with major transformations and social demands. 

Puberty brings typical physical changes for all teenagers, but for autistic individuals, it can be overwhelming due to their sensitivity to hormonal and sensory stimuli. They need to be guided with great patience and care. 

Interpersonal relationships and peer pressure intensify during this time. Difficulties in managing social expectations and fitting in can impact self-esteem. Constant reinforcement of social skills is necessary. 

Schooling remains crucial, requiring support to tackle growing academic demands and achieve positive integration with peers. 

With adaptations, motivation, and collaboration between parents, therapists, and educators, autistic youths can discover unique talents and shape a life plan that enables a successful transition to adulthood. 

Explore this category to learn more about this stage, filled with discoveries, including first-hand experiences from young individuals within the autism spectrum.

ARTICLES

youth drawing young person listen music with headphones
Divershines

CozyHeadphones Review 2024

Finding the perfect headphones for autism can be a daunting task, especially for children with sensory sensitivities. Many children with autism struggle with traditional headphones due to discomfort, poor fit, and overwhelming sound levels. CozyHeadphones might be the solution you’ve been looking for.

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Divershines

How to Choose the Best School for Your Autistic Child? Key Tips

Choosing the best school for your autistic child is a complex decision that directly impacts their development and overall trajectory. In the United States, there are several options available. It is crucial to find one that meets your child’s unique needs and fosters a supportive and inclusive environment.

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Karrie Arraiz

Which school to choose?

One of the big questions for neurodiverse families is the school. We want the place where our children spend most of their time to be perfect in terms of education, care, understanding, and safety.
We start with high expectations and hopes, but as months go by, those feelings can turn into fears and sometimes despair.

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Can Autism Worsen
Divershines

Can Autism Worsen or Regress Over Time?

If you have a loved one on the autism spectrum, it’s natural to worry about how their condition will evolve as they age. But can autism worsen or cause a person to regress in their progress? Today, we’ll share some recommendations to help individuals with autism maintain and improve their skills throughout their lives.

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Sivan Hong

Helping Your Autistic Child Thrive: Tips for a Smooth Start to the School Year

As a parent, you undoubtedly know the start of a new school year can be an exciting but also nerve-wracking time, particularly if your child is on the autism spectrum. Autistic students often struggle with change, and a new school year represents a series of changes: new teachers, new routines, new classmates, and maybe even a new school. However, with careful planning, compassionate understanding, and open communication, you can help your child start the year off smoothly and comfortably.  

Here are some strategies to make the transition as easy as possible. 

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can autism be cured?
Divershines

Can Autism Be Cured?

Today, we will explore the myths and realities surrounding the idea of curing autism, its scientific basis, and the most effective ways to support people with autism.

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