Navigating Autism: Do behaviors “get worse” with age? A Guide for Caregivers
As parents, we all worry about our children’s futures. For caregivers of children with autism, these concerns can be especially complex, encompassing unique questions about development, independence, and life opportunities. Many caregivers notice that their child’s autism symptoms seem to intensify, get “worse,” become more challenging, or change unexpectedly, with age. Parents often notice this shift during the teenage years, when typical developmental changes like puberty come into play. But with the right understanding and support, you can help your child—and yourself—through these times.
Developmental Changes in Adolescence
Adolescence brings developmental changes that affect all children, but these can feel magnified when your child has autism. As teens grow, they experience physical, emotional, and social shifts that can bring new challenges:
- Hormonal changes can lead to mood swings and heightened emotions, which can feel especially intense for autistic teens.
- Physical changes make them larger and stronger, which can unintentionally amplify aggressive or destructive behaviors.
- Desire for independence can lead to more defiance and solitary behavior as teens seek autonomy, potentially impacting family dynamics.
Understanding these changes in the context of both typical and autistic development can help caregivers anticipate challenges and approach them with empathy.
Common Challenges and How to Address Them
As kids age into teens, it may seem as if common challenges faced by individuals with autism, like defiance, withdrawal, communication difficulties, and sensory sensitivities are “getting worse,” or becoming more difficult to manage. Here are strategies to help caregivers address these issues:
- Defiance and Increased Demands
Academic pressures increase as children get older, leaving less room for breaks. This can make kids feel overwhelmed and more prone to frustration or defiance. To help, create a balance of structured routines at home that allow for downtime, and be patient with their reactions to new demands. Visual supports can help your child understand the balance of expectations.
- Communication, Emotional Regulation, and Navigating Social Expectations
Many teens struggle to express their feelings and navigate social interactions, often leading to withdrawal or outbursts. You can support them by creating a safe space for open dialogue and modeling calm ways to handle intense emotions and introducing social situations gradually to reduce stress. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques can be particularly helpful in teaching skills for self-expression, emotional regulation, and strategies for navigating social expectations over time.
- Sensory Sensitivities
Teens are often encountering new environments and sensory experiences as they get older. For example, they may now go to high school, where they need to transition from class to class with the whole student body instead of with their own class and a teacher. When possible, adjust the environment to minimize overwhelming stimuli. One example could be ensuring your child has a quiet room to go to at home and in school. When a quiet space isn’t immediately available, teaching coping skills like taking deep breaths, and communication like asking for a break or to wear headphones, are strategies to help your child access new environments without becoming overstimulated by their environment.
- Increased Aggression and Elopement
As kids grow, their increased physical strength and size can unintentionally amplify the impact of challenging behaviors. This natural growth means that behaviors such as aggression may pose a greater risk to themselves and others. Although these behaviors are a common challenge for kids with autism at all ages, a growth spurt can make it seem like these behaviors are getting “worse” with age. That’s why it is especially important to address these behaviors proactively with tailored support strategies. Having a proactive safety plan is essential. For some, the desire for independence can lead to “elopement” or wandering away from home. If this is a concern, make sure to establish clear boundaries and consider home and community safety measures.
Preparing for New Challenges and Skill Regression
As children grow, it’s natural to see some fluctuations in skills they’ve previously mastered. Social pressures, academic demands, and hormonal shifts can all contribute to temporary regressions. Try to approach these periods with patience, recognizing that both neurotypical and neurodivergent teens experience ups and downs in skill mastery. ABA strategies, such as reinforcing skills they have previously mastered, can help stabilize these skills and support your child’s confidence.
Adapting Support Strategies for Teens
As your child matures, it’s essential to adapt your approach and support strategies. Key areas of focus include:
- Emphasizing Strengths: Recognize and build on your child’s unique strengths. This positive reinforcement can improve self-esteem and motivate further growth.
- Updating Intervention Plans: Reassess and modify intervention plans regularly to ensure they are aligned with your child’s evolving needs. ABA providers can work with you to create strategies to address new challenges and developmental changes. Collaborate with your child’s school team as well to ensure everyone is following the same plan.
- Encouraging Independence: As teens approach adulthood, fostering skills like self-care, decision-making, and time management becomes crucial. These life skills are important for building independence, which can benefit them greatly in the long run.
ABA’s Role in Supporting Teen Development
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) offers valuable tools to help autistic teens communicate effectively, manage responsibilities, and navigate the balance between responsibilities and leisure. ABA practitioners can also guide families through periods of skill regression and help teens generalize skills across various environments, such as home, school, and social settings.
Support for Caregivers
The journey of parenting can be challenging, but remember, you are not alone. Local ABA providers, therapists, and support groups can offer resources, strategies, and encouragement as you support your child through adolescence. Reaching out for help can provide structure and stability for both you and your teen as they navigate the complexities of growing up.
Embracing the Journey
Every stage of development comes with challenges, but it also brings opportunities for growth. By fostering resilience, adaptability, and a supportive environment, you can create a pathway for your child’s continued success. Embrace each step, knowing that there are resources and support networks ready to help your family thrive.