Adolescents
With Asperger Syndrome

Behaviors and Responses

Adolescents with Asperger syndrome are faced with more than their share of challenges. As a parent, you know that this time in a young person’s development is challenging enough for neurotypical teens.
A teenager with AS has additional issues to face.

Adolescents with Asperger syndrome have all of the common concerns that regular teens face; however, their experience is magnified. Of course, social interactions can be difficult for every teenager.

What are some specific problems that AS teens face?

1. Social problem are common across the board. Unfortunately,
   the AS teen is often the target of bullying by insecure teens who want to put the focus on what they perceive as the "faults" of others. Social isolation is painful for many AS students. Others meet the isolation with indifference.

2. Sexuality is another major concern. Changes in hormone levels, mood swings, and inappropriate behaviors are common in "average" teens. The teenager with Asperger syndrome has extra challenges to overcome.

3. Many teens with AS are trusting and naive. A problem occurs when an AS teen is not taught enough about the topic of sexuality and other personal subjects for them to be fully understood. There's the risk of a teen acting impulsively and engaging in inappropriate behaviors, such as ignoring proper boundaries.

How can I encourage social interaction for my AS teen?

Use your teen’s interests to encourage socialization. Once your teenager develops confidence in an activity, he or she will build upon that confidence with social interaction. It's important to keep in mind that some AS students are simply disinterested in socializing. Make sure the situations are comfortable for the teen.

Networking with families affected by Asperger syndrome is a great way to encourage social interaction. Just like any other teenager, the adolescent who has an AS diagnosis finds comfort and interest in others who sincerely appreciate and understand the condition.

As a parent, you can take a proactive approach to help your teen interact with his or her appropriate age group by researching programs designed specifically for teens with AS. These special programs are very helpful for introducing the changes that Asperger adolescents experience during this stage in their lives.

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