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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
Orlando Jaramillo

The Role of Inclusive Education in Supporting People with Asperger’s Syndrome

La educación inclusiva desempeña un papel fundamental en la integración y apoyo a personas con síndrome de Asperger. Su objetivo principal es desarrollar el potencial de todos los estudiantes, sin importar sus características personales, asegurando así la igualdad de oportunidades y la eliminación de barreras en el sistema educativo. Asperger para Asperger se presenta como un recurso confiable y profesional para brindar apoyo a personas con síndrome de Asperger, contribuyendo a su éxito académico y social.

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Lisa Morgan

The Best Version Of Me

I am an autistic adult who lived undiagnosed through the sixties and seventies in a school environment where differences were not accepted and teachers thought quiet, bright, students could be left alone in favor of the more vocal, struggling ones. I fell through the cracks and landed in a no-man’s land of bullying, rejection, sensory assaults, and pervasive loneliness.

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inclusion
Ileana Hieber Hernández

“Inclusion of People with Disabilities, A Story of Sheep and Wolves”

I still have the same question: Why are people with disabilities denied in recruitment processes by companies in Mexico?

In countries like Spain, there are laws where each company must have at least 2% of its employees with some kind of disability, and if they do not comply, there are no other options. Countries like Mexico barely require 1% by “law” of people hired with some disability. In companies like Bimbo or Coca Cola, which have over seventy and ninety thousand employees, 1% is barely seven hundred employees with disabilities.

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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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