Adolescence

Adolescents experience rapid growth and changes in a number of areas including physical changes, changes in cognition, changes in their relationships with peers and family, and increasing their independence.

In regards to physical changes, pre-adolescence and adolescence is a time where bodies change. Teenagers grow taller, their muscles become stronger, they may grow facial and leg hair, and they will go through puberty. With these changes comes additional skills that need to be taught (for example, how to shave).

There is also cognitive growth; adolescents are talking and asking questions about things they never used to question. Teens may express opinions about faith and trust or politics and religion. This represents a change in their thinking style, going from a concrete pattern of thinking (for example, focusing on the here and now) and moving towards abstract thinking (in other words, things that cannot be seen or touched).

Social relationships are also changing. The same kids who used to play Legos® and video games only last week may no longer want to do these same activities. Typical teens, at this age, shift their focus away from their parents and family and look more towards their peers for social approval, for fashion consultation, and behavior morals. Being with Mom and Dad and the family is just not so "cool" anymore. Social acceptance and fitting in with their peer group becomes important to most teens. How all of this impacts the individual adolescent has a great bearing on his or her emotional health and behavioral well being.

Additionally, life gets considerably more complicated in Middle School. Students are expected to change classes, learn from different teachers and adapt to different teaching styles, be responsible for their classwork and homework assignments, and manage the demands of a busy schedule (for example, school, work, and social life)! This is not an easy thing to do. Many adolescents have a difficult time with these issues, and these difficulties may be even more pronounced for adolescents on the autism spectrum.

Teachers, counselors, and other support staff are trained to help teens with many of the complications that arise during this age period. Autistic adolescents can be happy, will continue to grow and learn, in their own time, at their own rate, with the support of adults to help them through any bumps along the way.

From The Perspective Of A Middle School Aged Teen, Watch This Video