Nonverbal Communication in Teens with Autism
- January 15, 2021
- Autism
- by The New Focus Team
Verbal communication is something that many of us take for granted. We are used to asking if something is wrong with a friend, or asking a family member what they need. But for some teens with autism, verbal communication can be challenging or nonexistent. Teens with autism may have difficulty developing language skills and understanding […]
ASD in Boys: What to Do After a Diagnosis
- December 30, 2020
- Autism
- by The New Focus Team
Getting an autism diagnosis for your child can be a monumental and intimidating life event for you and your family. If your son has just received an ASD diagnosis, there are probably several questions running through your mind including what you should do next. Next steps for parents after getting an ASD diagnosis for their […]
Building Confidence In Teens with Autism
- December 22, 2020
- Autism
- by The New Focus Team
Many times the labels or preconceived notions that come with an autism diagnosis can make teens feel different or judged. Having a strong sense of self-esteem can help remind teens that they are their own person and that having autism is not the single thing that defines them. Confident teens are also better able to […]
Sibling Education and Support In Trying Times
- December 17, 2020
- Autism, Behavioral Issues, Family Conflict
- by The New Focus Team
Sometimes when one child requires more attention or has different needs, siblings can feel left out or confused. It is important to have open and honest conversations with siblings about their important role in the family and how they can help their brother or sister. Talking to Siblings With younger siblings, the most important thing […]
How to Deal with Overstimulation in Teens with Autism
- December 11, 2020
- Autism
- by The New Focus Team
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 […]
Putting Limits on Screen Time for Teens
- December 3, 2020
- Autism
- by The New Focus Team
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 […]
Learning Disorders In Middle Schoolers
- November 25, 2020
- School Refusal
- by The New Focus Team
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 […]
The Most Common Behavioral Issues In Teens With Autism
- November 12, 2020
- Autism
- by The New Focus Team
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 […]
Building Independence in Teens with Autism
- November 5, 2020
- Autism
- by The New Focus Team
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 […]
Improving Social Skills in Teens With Autism
- October 28, 2020
- Autism
- by The New Focus Team
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, […]