Services for Teenagers with Autism

With so many unknowns surrounding the condition of autism, services for teenagers with autism are often difficult to find.

The need for services for teenagers with autism is evident in many areas. While schools must provide services that address a child's Individual Education Plan (IEP), in many cases, funding issues only allow limited services, personnel, equipment, and supplies. Communities may also be limited in many areas in regards to services for those with autism. Because autism is still full of unknowns, research and treatment are often only in the preliminary stages, although more information is being discovered about this condition each year.

One of the major problems regarding services stems from a lack of recognition or diagnosis of the condition. While parents and educators are much more aware of the signs and symptoms regarding autism, there are many teenagers and adults who have slipped through the cracks. Instead of receiving the recognition and diagnosis of autism, they may have been given labels such as "slow" or "weird", and the lack of services they've received have left them struggling to exist in a world that doesn't understand them or empathize with their situation. Incorporating services for these teens is absolutely essential to their well-being and their future.

The difficulties and problems relating to teens with autism can be numerous.

• Unfair labels may be given as family members, friends, and teachers are unable to understand the behavior associated with autism.
• A lack of vocational and job opportunities is often a major problem.
• Teens with autism may not receive appropriate guidance counseling at school.
• They may also not receive and benefit from medical help.
• Peer pressure is often a serious issue during the teen years, especially for those diagnosed with autism.
• Teens may miss out on the opportunity to interact socially with others, and they may be misunderstood by their teachers.

Realistic goals must be set in order to provide the necessary services for teenagers with autism. Because many of these teenagers may have missed out on these services during their younger years, it is imperative that they receive them now. The first step, of course, is to diagnose the problem, but once a diagnosis has been made, services should include the following:

• IEPs-An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) must be written that addresses the needs of the individual teen.
• Counseling-Teens must be provided with individual counseling opportunities on a regular basis. Training should also be emphasized in specific areas, including behavior, socialization, communication, and organization skills.
• Vocational assistance-Vocational training and assistance should also be provided to these teens, so that once they graduate from high school, they are able to continue their education, either in a vocational or a collegiate setting. Follow-up counseling sessions should include job contacts and employment counseling as well.
• Therapy-Depending upon the problem, the teen may need therapy in several areas, including occupational therapy and Speech Therapy Ideas for Autistic Children.
• Family counseling-When a child is diagnosed with autism, it isn't just the child that is affected. Family members must be involved in the diagnosis, treatment, education and counseling regarding this condition.
• Support groups-While there may be several parent support groups in the area for children who are autistic, support groups for teens are limited. This should be a priority as well.

Finally, everyone who is involved in the teenager's life must become advocates for services and treatment. Funding must become a priority on the educational and medical levels. Diagnosis must be made as early as possible, and for those who have slipped through the cracks, intense counseling, therapy, and training must be started as soon as possible. The fight to educate others about autism continues to be waged by parents, physicians, educators, and even politicians. As more is learned about this condition, more help will be available, and this is extremely important for the futures of these autistic teens.

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• Possible Causes of Autism
• Tips for Raising Kids with Autism
• What Is Your Autism Empathy Rating?

• Lesson Plans for Autistic Children
• Adult Autism Symptoms
• Social Skills Activities for Kids with Autism
• Speech Therapy Ideas for Autistic Children
• Famous Autistic People

• Physical Characteristics of Children with Autism
• Category:Autism and Children
• Sexual Behavior and Asperger Syndrome
• Transitions for Autistic Teens
• Support Groups for Autism