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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. While it is common for teenagers to be distracted, teens struggling with ADHD do not grow out of this behavior, and symptoms can grow in severity over time. Treatment for teens […]

Many people assume that teens with limited social skills may fall somewhere along the autism spectrum; however, there is a wide range of explanations for difficulties with social communication. The newest version of the DSM includes a description for Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder, which captures some of the social skill issues associated with Autism Spectrum […]

We often discuss Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD) when we find a student that has really strong language abilities and weakness in other areas. If teens with learning disorders have verbal abilities that are overdominating other abilities that aren’t used as often or as skillfully, it creates an imbalance in the strategies teens use to communicate […]

As many as 80% of children with autism spectrum disorder have sleep problems, often from an early age. As parents and professionals seeking accurate diagnoses are encouraged to look to signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder in early childhood, researchers at the University of Washington have started to research the effect of sleep patterns on brain […]

According to a recent study led by Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD) may be one of the most common learning disorders among children in the United States. Despite the prevalence among teens, Nonverbal Learning Disorder is often misunderstood, as there is some overlap between more common neurodevelopmental disorders, like Autism Spectrum […]

While there has been a significant body of research investigating the physical effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, there has been less focus on the neurological impact of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, including executive functioning issues and learning differences. Instead, children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder, […]