Each year, as a new cohort of teenagers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) start high school, their unique needs and concerns take center stage. The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) estimates there are currently over 250,000 students diagnosed with ASD who are enrolled in an American high school. Becoming a teen and entering high school is challenging for most, but can be especially difficult for teens with ASD. This next stage of life can bring increased responsibility and demands, physical appearance changes and social and emotional challenges.
If you are a parent of a teen with ASD, your skillset may be tested as you help guide them through high school. The following are a few typical areas that may present challenges for teens with ASD in high school, and tips to overcome them with grace.
Organization
Many teens face challenges in high school when it comes to staying on top of their assignments. A planner or calendar is a great organizational tool that can help them stay on track. Most planners will help with staying on track with classes, homework etc., but did you know that some planners are made specifically for teens with ASD? These can help your teen keep track of their individualized education plan (IEP) progress, daily and weekly awards, their routine and more. These planners can be customized to include extra support that may benefit your teen specifically. We’ve linked a few here to take one thing off your plate:
- Special education planners
- Planners for autistic and neurodivergent adults
- Thruday, neurodivergent planner app
Alternatively, you could introduce your teen to bullet journaling, a flexible method for organization that allows for endless customization and creativity. Some individuals with ASD have expressed online how bullet journaling has helped them with personal organizational struggles by allowing them to create their own logs, trackers and spreads tailored to their needs. Journaling in general can also benefit individuals with ASD, specifically in terms of emotional regulation, identity exploration and communication.
Communication with teachers
As each new semester or term of high school begins, strive to maintain open communication with your teen’s teachers about their needs. Your teen’s IEP should be regularly updated so their teachers are looped in from the start, but you should also allow your teen room to self-advocate.
Frequently communicate updates
Talk with your teen’s teachers via message notebook or email about what is going on at school and inform them about what has been going on at home. This may include changes in behavior, attitude toward school or routine. Establishing a strong line of communication early on will make it easier for you to ask questions should they come up in the middle of the school year.
Promote partnership
Your teen spends almost as much time at school as they do at home with you during the week. This is why it is so important to develop a healthy working relationship with your teen’s teachers. Establish expectations and a routine for communicating that works for all parties. You may need to communicate with your teen’s teachers during off-school hours, but keep in mind to respect their personal time as well.
Decide what is most important
If you know the most important needs and details about your teen that you would like updates on, tell their teachers! Ask for specifics about their most important items and go from there.
Socialization
Individuals with ASD often face challenges with socialization, including limitations in social communication, awareness and problem-solving. By the time they get to high school, the stakes are even higher. Many high schools have peer buddy programs and social skills groups that can help your student with conversation skills, reading facial expressions and spending time together outside of school. Peer friendships can also help your teen with organization, following rules and more.
As a parent, you can help your teen work on their social skills by role-playing different scenarios, coming up with conversation starters or attending social events together. The more comfortable your teen feels in social situations, the easier it will be to make friends.
As you probably already know, supporting a teen with ASD can be challenging. However, it is possible to create safe and nurturing spaces for your teen. Routine is great, and remember to encourage independence, provide clear instructions and allow for downtime. Your teen will be able to overcome obstacles best when they know you love and support them.
Maxim Behavioral provides ABA services and educational support needs in school settings to assist teens diagnosed with ASD or other developmental disabilities. If your teen needs support navigating their ASD diagnosis, We are here to help, so contact your local Maxim office for more information!
