Staying Focused on the Positives During the Tumultuous Teen Years

There are drastic changes that occur to all children during their teenage years.  They go through many hormonal changes, their bodies change shape drastically and their behaviors become erratic and at times can be aggressive.  All these changes do not escape teens on the autism spectrum.  I found a pattern with the students that I taught a few years ago with severe autism.  They would have occasional behavior meltdowns during the day but would go home and 'let loose' daily on their loved ones.  Their parents were thankful their children were behaving and making progress in the school setting and within the community and felt it was better that they were the ones that had to deal with the behaviors opposed to us at school.   As an educator and advocate for families this was a prime example to me to always remember how important the family unit is especially when their are children with autism involved and  that it is not up to me to judge how they handle situations with their child with ASD.  The short article below by Alex Cargius discusses the struggles of growing up with a sibling on the spectrum but also recognizing the amazing qualities that her family has gained because of her brother with autism.
Written By: Sabra Evans
Autism and Terrible Teens
by Alex Cargius