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
Echolalia in Autism: What it is and how to address it
Echolalia in autism is a characteristic that still generates concern and curiosity among parents and educators. This repetitive speech behavior is common in individuals on the autism spectrum (ASD) and plays a significant role in language development. In this post, we will explain what echolalia is, its connection to autism, and strategies for addressing it.
Relationship Between Autism and Dyspraxia Understanding the Conditions and Best Practices
Autism often coexists with other conditions, presenting certain challenges in daily life, such as in the case of dyspraxia. Today, we will address this topic and provide recommendations to equip people on the spectrum with dyspraxia with tools to help them develop.
Halloween Tips for Autistic Kids By Sivan Hong
Halloween festivities, while fun for most, can be overwhelming and challenging for autistic children. As a mother of an autistic child, I’ve navigated many Halloweens, each with its own set of challenges and successes
Unique Gifts with a Purpose at NinthPlanetCrafts
NinthPlanetCrafts is a unique store that beautifully combines the worlds of science and art while celebrating neurodiversity. With 229 sales and an impressive 5-star rating, this shop has quickly become a favorite for buyers seeking meaningful and distinctive gifts.
Unique Perspectives Through the Eyes of ClofiArt
Janet Gerrard is an artist who uses her ADHD and autism to fuel her creativity. Her work is a testament to the unique perspectives and strengths of neurodivergent individuals. Each piece is a journey into her inner world, marked by bold colors, dynamic movements, and deep emotional resonance. Janet’s mission is to challenge stereotypes associated with neurodivergence and highlight the beauty of seeing the world differently.
Top Shines and Get to Know Me: Promoting Autistic Empowerment
Autistic empowerment is at the heart of everything we do at Divershines, and we highlight it in our Top Shines and Get to Know Me sections. Our mission is to showcase the achievements of individuals on the autism spectrum, highlighting their talents and success stories. In this post, we’ll explore what “Top Shines” and the “Get to Know Me” segment are all about, both designed to inspire and empower the neurodivergent community.
