Posts by The New Focus Team
How to Deal with Overstimulation in Teens with Autism
Overstimulation occurs when there is “too much” of some external stimulus or stimuli for a person’s brain to process and integrate effectively. This leads to an unpleasant sensation of being flooded and an impulse to escape the stimulus. Overstimulation for teens with autism can be sensory when a teen is overwhelmed by external stimuli such…
Read MorePutting Limits on Screen Time for Teens
In an era where a plethora of information, entertainment, and social interactions can be discovered at your fingertips, it’s common for teenagers to be glued to their phones, laptops, televisions, and tablets. It can be particularly appealing for teens with ASD to crave screen time because it can provide them a sense of comfort and…
Read MoreLearning Disorders In Middle Schoolers
Learning disabilities is a term that covers a wide array of learning problems. A learning disability is not a reflection of a child’s intelligence or ability, but rather a difference in the way that they process and receive information. Common Learning Disorders in Preteens According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 7.1 million students…
Read MoreThe Most Common Behavioral Issues In Teens With Autism
Parenting in general can be difficult, but parents of teens with autism deal with a unique set of challenges. When dealing with the struggles of behavioral issues with your teen, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Teens with autism may refuse or ignore requests, behave in socially inappropriate ways, like taking…
Read MoreBuilding Independence in Teens with Autism
We all want our teens to grow up and be healthy, happy, and successful in life. But success doesn’t necessarily mean making lots of money or being at the top of your field. Success means different things to different people, and for teens with autism, living an independent life can be the biggest success of…
Read MoreImproving Social Skills in Teens With Autism
As parents, we want to see our children succeed and be happy. We understand that there will be challenges in life, but teens who struggle with making friends and understanding social cues may experience even more challenges around connecting with peers. Why Teens with Autism Struggle with Social Skills Social skills are the rules, customs,…
Read MoreTrying New Things: Why and How To Challenge Your Teen with Autism
Change can be difficult for most people, but it is particularly challenging for people on the autism spectrum. Teens with autism typically appreciate the repetitive nature of a routine. Knowing what comes next can provide a sense of security and creates a sense of order. And while routine can be very beneficial for autistic teens,…
Read MoreHow Modern Media Can Help Teach More About ADHD
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a very common diagnosis in teenagers, but there are a lot of stereotypes around ADHD. Children and teens with ADHD are often depicted as disruptive and unable to follow even simple distractions. Their stories are often tied into cautionary tales about Ritalin (a common drug prescribed for ADHD) and its potential…
Read MoreWhat is motivational interviewing and how does it help teens on the spectrum?
Parents of teens on the autism spectrum know how hard it is for their child to handle change. But the reality is change is not something we can protect them from. And while teens on the spectrum can thrive with schedules and routine, when it is time for change, there are tools you can use…
Read MoreNavigating Back To School For Teens On The Autism Spectrum
Back to school time is usually filled with shopping lists, new clothes, and meeting new teachers and classmates. For many kids this can be an exciting time. But for others, especially teens on the Autism spectrum, back to school can be filled with anxiety and trepidation. For teens on the Autism spectrum, change and new…
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