Answer Summary

Members rallied around a parent seeking guidance on navigating adolescence with a teenage son on the high end of the autism spectrum, with... Read more

Members rallied around a parent seeking guidance on navigating adolescence with a teenage son on the high end of the autism spectrum, with many sharing they had sons ranging from ages 13 to 27 with diagnoses of Asperger's or high-functioning autism. Several members described challenges including intense rages triggered by hormonal changes, anxiety attacks in crowded high school settings, difficulty with transitions, and concerns about preparing their sons for independence and the real world, with solutions including early class dismissals to avoid crowds, IEP accommodations, and one parent organizing a local workshop on adolescence for students with HFA and Asperger's. A recurring theme was the understanding that the teenage years can be especially turbulent as young men adjust to new testosterone levels and social demands, but also the willingness of experienced parents to share what they've learned and offer support to those just beginning this journey.