Autism first signs and checklist for teenagers

Being a teenager can be hard work at the best of times. ‘Fitting in’ can suddenly become very important, and trying to negotiate the nuances of social networking can be tiring! Add a bunch of hormones, quick growth and the increased academic demands, and it can be a testing time.

For the teenager who might be on the autism spectrum, adolescence can be a particularly challenging time.

If they haven’t yet been diagnosed, and don’t understand that the way they process the world around them could be part of being on the spectrum, they may feel isolated and confused.

Parents may suddenly find their child withdrawing, or be quick to temper, or easily distressed, anxious or confused.

But much of this could just be ‘typical’ teenage behaviour? Knowing some of the signs of autism in teenagers can be the first step in working out if their behaviour is related to their stage of life, or whether they might be on the spectrum.

Characteristics

There are a number of traits or characteristics that may make you question if your teenager is on the spectrum.

These signs cover a range of human behaviours, from social communication and social interaction, to restricted, repetitive and sensory processing.

Note that the information below is just a list of some of the common signs and characteristics of autism. It is unlikely that a teenager will display all of these characteristics, so it’s important to remember, only a qualified professional can carry out an assessment for autism.

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Segnali di comunicazione sociale

As children grow into their teenage years, social communication takes on new importance. There are many nuances in developing social networks and communication – both verbal and non-verbal – that teenagers on the autism spectrum will find challenging.

A teenager on the spectrum may:

• Struggle with the nuances of conversation. For example, they may totally dominate the conversation or have trouble ‘taking it in turns’ when talking. Alternatively, they may find it difficult when the focus is on them and may struggle to answer questions about themselves.
• Be totally focused on a specific topic and want to talk about it….a LOT! They may find it difficult to talk about subjects other than those they are interested in.
• Find it hard to ‘read’ non-verbal social cues, such as body language or tone of voice. For example, a teenager on the spectrum may not realise if one of their peers is ‘paying them out’ or using sarcasm. They may also have difficultly ‘reading’ people’s faces to know if they are feeling angry or sad.
• Have trouble negotiating the unwritten rules of friendship.
• Want to dominate activities and have trouble letting others have a go.
• Preferiscono stare con bambini molto più piccoli di loro stessi, o preferiscono passare del tempo con gli adulti.
• Be rigid in following rules – both in the classroom and in social situations.
• Be confused during conversations. For example, they might take things literally or not comprehend language.
• Have trouble making and using eye contact.
• Use speech in unusual ways. For example, they may speak in a monotone, with an accent, or in a very proper and formal way or not at all.
• Find it hard to follow anything but a very simple set of instructions.
• Show a limited range of facial expressions, mismatched facial expressions, or express few emotions.
• Prefer hanging around on their own, rather than joining in with others.
• Trovare il concetto di "spazio personale" difficile e avvicinarsi fisicamente molto agli altri.

Segni comportamentali

Teenagers on the spectrum will often display unique behaviours. These may include:

• An obsession with unusual hobbies or objects. For example, they may obsessively memorise all the facts about a popular band, but have no interest in listening to the music itself, or keep mental lists of car registration plates. Or they might collect chewing gum wrappers or insist on carrying a certain toy or object around everywhere with them, even as they get older.
• Repetitive behaviour, such as rigidly lining up their books or computer games on the shelf.
• Amare la routine e arrabbiarsi facilmente quando i piani cambiano improvvisamente e le routine non vengono seguite.
• Being very sensitive to sensory experiences. For example, they may refuse to wear anything ‘scratchy,’ hate loud noises or only want to eat foods with a certain texture.
• Being under-responsive to sensory experiences. For example, keeping a jumper on when it is very hot, or not reacting to pain when hurt.
• Unusual body movements, such as rocking, hand flapping, and constant finger flicking.
• Unusual noises. Your teenager might repeatedly squeal, grunt or clear their throat.

Other traits that are often associated with, or can be common co-conditions among teenagers on the spectrum include:

• Tipi di sonno unici. Ad esempio, svegliarsi ripetutamente ad una certa ora ogni notte o restare sveglio a lungo dopo che sono andati a letto.
• Regularly resisting or refusing to go to school if they feel overwhelmed, upset or confused.
• Feeling anxious or upset if they experience a new social situation or have to go somewhere new.
• Feelings of depression, which may emerge when your teenager starts to understand that some of their behaviours are unique to their peers – and that others are noticing. This can lead them to feeling ‘on the outer’.
• A sensory ‘overload’ or build-up can lead to your teenager displaying unexpected behaviour.
• The development of an eating disorder, which can emerge during times of peak stress or anxiety, such as when a teenager starts high school.
• Being disorganised. Teens on the spectrum often find it challenging to manage their increasingly complex school life, juggling study with extracurricular activity.

Why should you seek an autism assessment for your teenager?

It is a personal decision to seek an autism assessment for your teenager.

For some parents, it can be emotional identifying that your teenager may be on the autism spectrum, and can be daunting thinking about getting an autism assessment.

It is important to remember that you know your teenager the best, and if you have concerns, it is best to share these with a qualified professional to gather information to shape your decision.

Alcuni dei vantaggi di cercare una valutazione dell'autismo prima piuttosto che dopo, può includere:

• Your teenager (and you) may get the help and support you might be needing.
• Your teenager’s school and teaching staff may have a better understanding of their needs – allowing for more effective support.
• Your teenager may have a greater sense of self-worth if they understand themselves better.
• Your teenager may have increased confidence knowing they are part of a larger group of teens on the spectrum!

Seeking a diagnosis

Come iniziare

Assessments for teenagers involve appropriately qualified health professionals gathering and considering a range of developmental, historical and current information against the criteria for autism.

Per cercare una valutazione dell'autismo, avete un paio di opzioni:

• Contattate la vostra associazione di autismo statale o territoriale per informazioni sulle valutazioni.
• Parlare con un professionista sanitario qualificato con esperienza nella valutazione e diagnosi dell'autismo.
• Make an appointment with your GP to discuss and, if necessary, to refer you to a qualified health professional with experience in the assessment and diagnosis of autism.
• You can also refer your teenager for an assessment yourself.

Ci sono diversi servizi finanziati dal governo specializzati nella valutazione e diagnosi dell'autismo. Puoi contattare direttamente queste squadre, ma potresti aver bisogno di un referto dal tuo medico di famiglia o dal pediatra.

There are also private practitioners and organisations that conduct assessments on a fee-paying basis.

You can learn more about the tools used for diagnosis at getting a diagnosis for children (under 18); or getting a diagnosis for adults (over 18), or visit to our Resources page to find an autism support service provider in your local area.

Chi sarà coinvolto nella valutazione?

It will depend on where you go to get an assessment done as to who, and how many professionals will be involved in doing to autism assessment.

If you go to a private professional, the assessment will generally be completed by one professional, such as a Speech Pathologist or Psychologist. In some states, you will be required to see two different types of professionals to complete an autism assessment, before a diagnosis of autism can be made. It is best to contact your local autism support service provider to find out what is required in your state or territory. However, if you go for an assessment by a government funded organisation, a range of professionals will generally be involved in any diagnostic assessment.

The following professionals may be involved in an autism assessment in a multi-disciplinary team according to the National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Australia.

• Medico
• Infermiere professionista
• Terapista occupazionale
• Psicologo
• Assistente sociale
• Patologo della parola
• Pediatra
• Psichiatra infantile
• Neurologo

Important: Only professionals that receive additional autism assessment training are able to make an autism diagnosis.

Dove ottenere una valutazione

There are both government funded and private services available. Sometimes, there will be a longer wait time for government-funded services.

È possibile trovare un elenco dei fornitori locali di servizi di supporto per l'autismo nella nostra pagina Risorse.