Recognizing the transitions that come with adolescence in autism, along with the current inadequacy of needed supports, care and services. Translatable solutions are needed now.
April 13 is Autism Adolescence Day
Because being a teenager isn't hard enough already
Compared to Neurotypical Teens, Autistic teens face greater challenges in
Social Front.
- Social Isolation/Loneliness, Social Difficulties, fewer friendships/social contacts, lesser time spent on social activities (1,2,3)
- Mental health, suicide ideation and NSSI
- Bullying and victimization
- Navigating educational system & workplace due to social and communication difficulties
Health Issues.
- Seizure onset 15% (compared to 0.5 - 1% in general population) (4).
- Higher prevalence of atypical or non-convulsive seizures in autistic teens compared to non-autistic (5).
- Increased prevalence of epilepsy in autistic teens (11.4%) compared to 0.5% in general population (6).
- Sleep disturbance at 50-80%- insomnia, nightmares, and irregular sleep-wake cycles (7).
- Sensory sensitivities at 88% (non-autistic teens 58%) (8).
- GI symptoms in autistic kids compared to non-autistic kids. In a 2014 study (9) figures are 43.5% compared to 18.1%. In a 2010 study (10), figures are 46-85% compared to 9-10%). Which means the prevalence is higher in autistic teens as well. 'Autistic teenagers at increased risk for anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
- Co-occuring condition in 70% of autistics - anxiety disorders 41%, ADHD 31% & mood disorders 16% (11).
- Nuero-inflammatory markers in autistic teens
- Obesity 22.4% (general population 15.6%) (14)
- Asthma 22.2% (general population 12.8%) (15)
- Allergies 23.9% (general population 18.4%) (16)