Hello parents, I am Donna and welcome to my partenting blog. in this article we will discuss about Neurodivergence in teens and how we can support our children to get over it.
Why do some young teens follow a different set of rules? Different neurological problems affect how kids see, understand, and connect with their surroundings.
These illnesses, like autism and ADHD, have different effects on kids. Helping neurodiverse kids and knowing the signs can make a big difference in their lives.
okay so let’s know more about it here…so start with knowing the meaning of Neurodivergence.
What is Neurodivergence in Teens?
Neurodiversity in teens is when some teens are different from their neurotypical friends because of the way their brains naturally work and how they process information.
This idea includes a lot of different diseases, like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and math problems. You should know that neurodiversity is not a flaw but a unique way of seeing and dealing with the world.
Neurodiversity needs to be identified early on so that the right kind of help can be given. The behaviors that come with neurodiversity can help you help your kid more as a parent or caretaker. How they think about things, talk to each other, and deal with social situations will be different. To make sure your kid does well, these differences may mean they need special help from you and the school.
Teenagers who are neurodiverse often do better with individualized learning plans and changes to their surroundings. Working with teachers to make the right changes can make your teen’s school experience much better.
It is important to encourgae peer support for their social and mental health. A more accepting environment can be made by helping their peers understand and accept each other.
What are Some Common Signs of Neurodivergence?
Okay, So if you see some these common signs then your teen is Neurodivergent.
Some of these are differences in how the brain processes sensory information, problems with executive function, social interaction issues, strange thinking patterns, and intensely focused hobbies.
If you know these signs, you can better understand and help your neurodiverse teen by finding the right tools and interventions that fit their specific needs.
Sign #1: Sensory Processing Differences
Teenagers with neurodivergence often show differences in how they handle sensory information, which can make them more or less sensitive to different stimuli.
These differences can have a big effect on a teen’s daily life, making it harder for them to focus, make friends, and get things done. Teens who are neurodiverse may have trouble integrating their senses, which means they may have trouble processing and responding to sensory information from their surroundings.
You may notice that your teen is engaging in sensory seeking behaviors, like wanting strong physical feelings or moving around a lot. They may also have sensory overload, where loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures are too much for them.
Sign #2: Problems with the executive function
Some teenagers with neurodiversity often have problems with brain function, which is a key part of neurodiversity that can have a big effect on their daily lives.
These problems make it harder for teens to plan, prepare, and complete their work. Your neurodiverse kid may be having trouble with time management, setting priorities, and staying organized.
Problems with executive functions can show up in many ways, such as not being able to start chores, move easily between activities, or plan projects with many steps. You might want to use structured methods and visual tools to help your teen learn these important skills.
Sign #3: Problems with Social Interaction
Teens who are neurodivergent often have a hard time with social interactions, which can make it hard for them to make and keep bonds with both peers and adults. Sometimes these problems show up in different ways, like not being able to read social cues, having trouble making and keeping eye contact, or having trouble having two-way talks.
Because of this, neurodiverse teens may have social anxiety and find it hard to feel comfortable in social situations.
Sign #4: Unusual Thinking Patterns
Teenagers who are going through neurodiversity often have strange ways of thinking, which is a very good sign.
These differences in how we think and process information can show up in many ways, affecting how we act, how we feel, how we learn, and how we connect with others.
There are times when you might notice that your teen is fixing problems in unusual ways or showing tremendous creativity in certain areas. Some of them may become very focused on certain topics, showing that they know more than their peers. Alternatively, they may have trouble with abstract ideas or processing knowledge in the way that it is usually taught.
Teenagers who are neurodiverse often show their emotions in unique ways, which can be stronger or weaker than those who are neurotypical.
Sign #5:Interests that are very focused
When kids are going through neurodiversity, one of the most obvious signs is that they become very interested in certain things.
This trait often shows up as a strong desire to learn and a strong focus on certain topics, which can be anything from academic areas to unique hobbies. Neurodiverse teens may have a special talent for learning and remembering things about the things they are interested in, often knowing more and being more excited about those things than their peers.
These intense hobbies can turn into activities that take up a lot of the teen’s time and mind.
Your neurodiverse teen may have long conversations about their favorite subjects, collect things that are related, or spend hours studying and learning more about their interests.
Sign #6: Differences in Communication Styles
Neurodivergent teens will talk to you in ways that are different from those of their neurotypical friends.
These differences can make parenting more difficult, and you may need to find new ways to talk to your kids to help them understand and keep your relationships healthy.
Teenagers who are neurodiverse may have trouble reading body language, making and keeping eye contact, and making small talk. They may have strange intonation, trouble changing the volume of their voice, or use too much serious language when they talk. Some teens may take humor or figurative speech too literally, while others may have trouble keeping their thoughts in order or staying on topic.
Sign #7: Problems with Managing Emotions
Teens with neurodiversity often have trouble controlling their feelings.
There are different ways that these problems can show up and make their daily lives and relationships hard. Neurodiverse teens may have strong emotions, have trouble reigning in their urges, or have trouble handling stress.
You can tell when your teen needs more help if you see these patterns in how they act. Help them come up with and use the best ways to deal with their problems.
They could learn how to calm down on their own, such as through gradual muscle relaxation or guided imagery.
Sign #8: Atypical Learning Preferences
Teenagers who are neurodiverse often have unusual ways of learning that can have a big effect on their schooling and results. These differences in how kids think can cause problems in school if they are not properly dealt with. For neurodiverse students to get the help they need, it’s important to understand and accommodate their different learning styles.
You might notice that your kid doesn’t take in information the same way their friends do. They might do well with learning through sight or sound but not so well with standard text-based lessons. Some kids may learn best through hands-on experience or by working on projects. Others may need to take breaks more often or change where they sit to stay focused.
Sign #9: Behaviors That Happen Over and Over
Stimming, which is a word for repetitive behaviors, is a typical and important sign of neurodiversity in teens. These things help your teen deal with sensory overload, nervousness, or excitement by giving them ways to cope.
You might see or hear movements that happen over and over, like moving the hands, rocking, or spinning, or sounds that happen over and over, like echolalia.
It’s important to know that these actions aren’t necessarily bad and can help your neurodiverse kid feel better. But if they get in the way of daily life or make you feel bad, you might want to get professional help.In behavior treatment, teens with disruptive stims can learn new ways to relax and deal with them.
Sign #10: Heightened Anxiety Levels
A lot of kids deal with anxiety, but neurodivergent teens often feel a lot more stress and worry, which can really mess up their daily lives.
This increased anxiety can show up as a strong fear of public speaking, a strong need to be perfect, or a lot of worry about change and the unknown.
As a parent, it’s important to know these signs and help your child in the right way. It is very important to use efficient ways to deal with stress. Your teen should do deep breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, or other things that they enjoy that make them feel calm.
Getting help from parents is a big part of dealing with worry. Your kid should feel safe and understood when they are at home, so they can talk about their problems. Cognitive-behavioral therapy or exposure therapy are two types of treatment that might help your teen learn how to deal with stress better.
Types of Neurodivergent Conditions
You’ll find various types of neurodivergent conditions among teens, each with its unique characteristics and challenges. These conditions include:
1. Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complicated brain disorder marked by issues with social interaction and limited, repeated interests or behaviors. If your teen has ASD, they will have different levels of trouble with communication, social relations, and processing sensory information.Early help is very important for learning how to get along with others and deal with problems.
As a parent, you are very important to the growth of your kid. Family relationships can have a big effect on their growth, so making the home a supportive place is very important. Work closely with the school to make sure that your teen’s special needs are met by making appropriate educational adjustments. Some examples are specialized teaching, visual aids, and technology that helps teens.
Teens with ASD may find it hard to connect with their peers, which could hurt their mental health and self-esteem. To help them get better at dealing with teens, encourage them to join social skills groups or go to therapy. Focus on building up your teen’s strengths and hobbies as well, as this can help them get jobs in the future.
2. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by persistent patterns of not paying attention, being overly active, and acting without thinking. These patterns get in the way of daily life and growth. Teenagers with ADHD often have cognitive problems, such as being unable to concentrate, stay organized, or handle their time well. These problems can have a big effect on how well they do in school and with their friends.
Effective management of ADHD in teens typically involves a multifaceted approach:
- Behavior management techniques to improve self-regulation
- School accommodations to support learning and reduce distractions
- Parental involvement in creating structured environments and routines
- Medication options, when appropriate, to address core symptoms
It’s important to work closely with medical workers to make sure your teen gets the best treatment possible. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, training in brain functions, and building social skills may all be part of this.
3. Dyslexia and Reading Difficulties
Dyslexia is a learning problem that makes it hard for teens to read, write, and spell correctly and quickly. It is often misunderstood. It’s marked by issues with processing sounds, quickly naming things, and language-based jobs. Dyslexia is not linked to intelligence; many teens who have it are very smart and creative.
4. Dyscalculia in Math Learning
Dyscalculia is a learning disorder that makes it hard for teens to understand and use numbers and math ideas. It is one of the neurodivergent conditions that stands out. This difference in how teens think can cause big problems in school and in everyday life. Teenagers who have dyscalculia may have trouble with simple math, number sense, and understanding mathematical symbols.
Remember that dyscalculia is not a sign of how smart someone is; it’s a difference in how their brain handles math. If you give your kid the right help and advice, they can get past these problems and learn good ways to deal with their dyscalculia.
5. Tourette Syndrome
Tourette Syndrome is a complicated neurological disease marked by tics, which are repetitive, unwanted movements and sounds. It affects a lot of neurodiverse teens and can have a big effect on their daily lives. This disease usually starts in childhood and can last into adolescence, making things difficult for the person who has it and their family.
Teenagers with Tourette Syndrome need to learn how to deal with stress and control their tics. Some of these are cognitive-behavioral therapy, habit reversal training, and relaxation techniques. Some teens may be given medicine to help them deal with their problems.
It’s important to note that not all teens with Tourette’s have coprolalia, which are spurts of swear words that they can’t control. Those who do, however, have more social problems.
6. Dyspraxia and Motor Skills
Dyspraxia is a neurodevelopmental disease that affects planning and motor coordination. It can really affect a teen’s daily life and how well they do in school. This condition makes it hard to move and process sense information, and it often shows up in different physical and mental areas of a teen’s life.
Teens with dyspraxia may struggle with:
- Fine motor skills, such as handwriting and using utensils
- Gross motor activities, including sports and balance-related tasks
- Organizational skills and time management
- Speech and language production
These physical problems can make you angry and lower your self-esteem. Teenagers with dyspraxia can, however, learn good ways to deal with stress and improve their movement skills with the right help and support.
7. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a neurodivergent disorder that causes teens to have unwanted thoughts and do the same things over and over again. It can have a big effect on a teen’s daily life and mental health.
Adolescent OCD is often treated in a multifaceted way that includes treatment, coping skills, and family support. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), especially Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), has been shown to help teen with OCD a lot. These therapeutic methods help teens deal with unwanted thoughts and slowly stop doing things they are compelled to do.
8. Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) changes how a teen’s brain understands and reacts to sensory information from their surroundings. OCD is marked by unwanted thoughts and repeated behaviors. SPD can show up in many ways, making it hard for teens to properly process and combine sensory information.
This neurodivergent disorder often makes daily life hard for teens with SPD because they may have trouble with too many or too few sensory inputs. Understanding SPD is important for coming up with good ways to deal with problems and making the changes that are needed in the surroundings.
9. Bipolar Disorder
Another important neurodivergent disease that affects teens is bipolar disorder, a mood disorder with periods of mania and depression that come and go. To start early intervention, you need to understand the signs. Teenagers with manic spells may have more energy, need less sleep, and act without thinking.
Kids who are depressed feel sad all the time, have low energy, and lose interest in doing things.
10. Gifted and Twice Exceptional
Neurodiversity includes more than just teens with mood disorders. It also includes gifted kids and kids who are twice special. Teenagers who are gifted are very good at one or more areas.
Teens who are twice-exceptional (2e) are both gifted and have a learning disability or neurodevelopmental problem.
These students often face unique problems, such as misunderstandings about neurodiversity and parents who find it hard to meet their many needs.
Impact on Teen Development
As a teen grows up, neurodiversity can have a big impact on their cognitive, emotional, and social development in unique ways. It’s important for you as a parent or caretaker to know how this affects different parts of your teen’s life.
Teens who are neurodiverse often care a lot about their mental health. They may be more likely to have anxiety, depression, or other mood illnesses, so they need specific help and support.It can be hard for some people to get along with their peers because social cues and interactions don’t come easily to them. This can make you feel alone or make it hard to make friends that last.
Neurodivergent teens may have different problems in school. They might be good at some things but not so good at others, so they need individualized ways to learn. Getting good at coping is important for dealing with everyday stresses and getting through tricky social situations.
Your help as a parent is very important for your teen’s growth. You can have a big effect on their self-esteem and general health by understanding, speaking up for, and making their home a supportive place.
10 Tips to Support Neurodivergent Teens
Supporting neurodivergent teens requires a multifaceted approach that embraces their unique strengths and challenges.
You can start by fostering open communication and educating yourself about your teen’s specific neurodivergence.
It’s important to work with schools to develop individualized education plans and encourage your teen’s special interests, as these strategies can greatly enhance their overall development and well-being.
Tip #1: Embrace Neurodiversity
Now that we know more about neurodiversity, it’s important to see the unique cognitive differences in neurodiverse kids as positive parts of being human.
Having an open mind and accepting neurodiversity can have a big effect on your teen’s general health and self-esteem. By recognizing their unique strengths and praising their differences, you’ll create a supportive space that helps them become more self-aware and empowered.
To help your neurodiverse teen and fully embrace neurodiversity:
- Learn about neurodiversity and share what you’ve learned with others to help them understand and accept you.
- Focus on your teen’s skills and let them know you appreciate what they do well.
- Teach them how to talk about their needs and problems to encourage them to speak up for themselves.
- Make their home a sensory-friendly space that works for their specific needs.
Remember that neurodiversity is not a flaw, but a unique way of handling knowledge and interacting with the world. Your kid will have a stronger sense of self and be more resilient if they accept their differences.
Encourage them to explore their hobbies and interests, as these can often turn into areas of expertise and possible career paths. Their confidence and ability to get along in the world as a neurodiverse person will be shaped by how much you support and accept them.
Tip #2: Open Communication
Setting up clear lines of communication is important for helping your neurodiverse teen and improving your knowledge of each other.
Talking to each other clearly is important for dealing with problems that teens can cause and for keeping the family’s relationships healthy. As a parent, you are very important in helping your kid learn how to deal with problems and take care of their mental health.
Tell your kid that they can say what they think and feel without worrying about being judged.To understand their unique point of view and wants, you need to actively listen. Make a safe place for them to talk about their problems with getting along with others and getting social support. This honest talk can help them feel better emotionally and explain themselves better.
Use clear, straight language when talking about sensitive topics to avoid misunderstandings. Give your teen time to think about what you’re saying and how to react. Talk to them often about what’s going on at school, with friends, and in their general mental health.
Tip #3: Learn Their Condition
To help your neurodiverse teen in the best way possible, you need to learn about their situation and its unique traits. Knowing about neurodiversity will help you support your child in the right way and successfully speak up for their needs. Being involved as a parent is a big part of making sure your kid gets the educational accommodations and support services they need.
Tip #4: Individualized Education Plans
IEPs are very important for making sure that neurodiverse students get the right academic help and accommodations in school. These plans are made to fit the learning needs of your teen and give them the right kind of help and guidance.
It is very important for parents to be involved in making and implementing an IEP. Work with teachers, school psychologists, and other experts to make a thorough plan for academic adaptation and behavior intervention. Some examples are longer test times, different task formats, and technology that helps students.
IEPs help teens learn how to get along with others and deal with behavioral issues. Meet with the IEP team often to make changes and keep track of progress. Don’t forget that you want your neurodiverse child to do well in school and with friends.
Tip #5: Encourage Special Interests
IEPs are meant to help students do better in school, but it’s also important to support your neurodiverse teen’s hobbies outside of school. Supporting these interests can make them feel better about their own self-worth, help them learn important skills, and even lead to job chances in the future. You’re helping them build a strong base for personal growth and success by focusing on their unique skills.
Tip #6: Develop Executive Functions
A lot of neurodiverse kids have trouble with executive functions, which are important skills for self-regulation, planning, and organization. Focus on specific tactics that target key areas of executive functioning to help your teen develop these important skills.
Help your teen learn how to better control their time as a first step. Show them how to use calendars, schedules, and reminders to keep track of meetings and due dates.
Next, work on setting priorities by showing them how to break down big projects into smaller, more manageable steps and figure out which jobs are the most important.
Encourage them to think about problems from different points of view and adjust to new situations to improve their cognitive flexibility. Do things that require you to think critically and come up with creative ideas to improve your problem-solving skills.
Give them ways to make decisions, like lists of pros and cons or weighted factors, to help them choose wisely.
Keep in mind that getting better at brain functions takes time and practice. Be patient and keep up your help.
You might want to use color-coded methods to keep things organized or apps that are made to help with executive functioning.
Tip #7: Foster Social Skills
Neurodiverse kids need to work on their social skills because they often have trouble interacting with others in normal ways. There are a number of things you can do to help them improve their social skills, including helping them communicate and connect with others better.
Encourage your teen to join a group activity that fits their hobbies. This will give them a chance to naturally interact with others.
Also, make sure your kid has a safe place to practice social skills at home. Have regular conversations, show others how to behave in social situations, and give them helpful comments.
Encourage them to join clubs or groups that share their hobbies, because having things in common can make getting along with others easier.
Remember that getting better at social skills takes time. Wait your turn and enjoy the little wins. Your neurodiverse teen can get better at navigating social situations with regular practice and help. This can lead to better relationships and more confidence in a variety of social settings.
Tip #8: Promote Self-Advocacy
Self-advocacy skills empower neurodivergent teens to effectively communicate their needs and rights, fostering independence and self-confidence. To promote self-advocacy, encourage your teen to participate in self-advocacy workshops. These sessions provide valuable tools and strategies for articulating their needs in various settings.
Peer support can be instrumental in developing self-advocacy skills. Connect your teen with others who share similar experiences, allowing them to learn from each other and practice advocating in a supportive environment.
As a parent, provide guidance by role-playing different scenarios and offering constructive feedback. Assist your teen in understanding their rights regarding school accommodations. Teach them how to communicate with teachers and administrators about their specific needs, ensuring they receive appropriate support. This skill will be pivotal as they move to higher education or the workplace.
Discuss workplace inclusivity with your teen, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy in professional settings. Help them understand how to request necessary accommodations and communicate their strengths to potential employers.
Tip #9: Provide Emotional Support
For a neurodiverse teen’s mental health and overall growth, emotional support is very important. As a parent or caretaker, you are very important in giving this help. Knowing your teen’s specific problems and strengths will help you make the setting supportive, which will help them grow and be strong.
Know that your teen has help from people besides their immediate family. Work with therapists, teachers, and other experts to set up a full network of care. As your teen deals with the challenges of puberty and their neurodiversity, be patient and understanding.
Don’t forget that your own mental health is also important. Get help for yourself by going to therapy or a support group for parents of neurodiverse kids. Taking care of your own mental health will help you give your kid the emotional support they need to do well.
Tip #10: Create Sensory-Friendly Environments
A sensory-friendly setting can help your neurodiverse teen do their daily tasks and feel more at ease. For accommodations to work well, it’s important to know what physical needs the person has. Because teens are all different, you should find out what their sensitivities and tastes are.
Think about lighting, noise, and tactile stimulation when making places that are sensitive to those senses. To avoid visual overload, use design elements that are good for the senses, like soft lighting, sound-absorbing materials, and keeping things out of the way. Set aside specific places to relax your senses.
As extra sensory aids, noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, and weighted pillows are all options. Try out different materials and textures to find what calms your teen down. You might want to add sensory-friendly tasks like deep pressure exercises or relaxing bins to your daily routine.
Check out the environment again and change it as your physical needs change. By putting sensory-friendly design and accommodations first, you can help your neurodiverse kid thrive and control their sensory experiences.
Conclusion
Understanding neurodivergence in teens can be a journey of discovery. You’ll find that these unique individuals process the world differently, facing both challenges and possessing extraordinary abilities.
By recognizing the signs and offering tailored support, you’re empowering these teens to thrive. Remember, neurodivergence isn’t a shortcoming but a different way of being.
With patience, empathy, and evidence-based strategies, you can help these teens navigate their adolescence and embrace their distinctive cognitive styles.
As a mom of teens and a pediatric Psychologists, I struggled to build trust. Through openly sharing my ups and downs raising two independent-minded kids, I provide practical tips to improve communication and confidently guide your teens into adulthood.