Autism in Teens: Assessment & Therapy at Cadabams CDC

Signs of Autism in Teens & Pre-Teens

Every teen is different, but certain patterns often stand out in the classroom or at home. Watch for a mix of social communication red flags, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities that weren’t obvious in primary school. Sometimes, these signs can overlap with other neurodevelopmental conditions, leading to comparisons like ADHD vs. autism spectrum disorders.

Social Communication Red Flags

• Limited eye contact or unusually intense staring.
• Difficulty reading sarcasm, jokes, or body language.
• One-sided conversations—talking “at” rather than “with” peers.
• Withdrawal from group chats or sudden silence in new settings. This can sometimes be mistaken for symptoms of a social communication disorder.

Repetitive Behaviors & Sensory Sensitivities

• Hand-flapping, rocking, or pacing when stressed.
• Extreme reactions to sounds (fire alarms, canteen noise). Many teens struggle with sensory sensitivities.
• Need to wear the same hoodie or soft fabric daily.
• Narrow, intense interests—memorizing train timetables or game stats.

When Late Signs Appear at School

Teachers may first report:

• Refusal to join group projects.
• Emotional meltdowns during timetable changes.
• Over- or under-reaction to classroom lighting or noise. If you hear these comments repeatedly, it’s time to consider an autism diagnosis in teens, a process that often involves a comprehensive assessment for ADHD and related conditions.

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Why Teen Autism Symptoms May Seem Worse

Adolescence itself doesn’t create autism, but it can turn mild traits into daily obstacles.

Puberty & Hormonal Changes

Surging hormones can heighten anxiety, mood swings, and sensory overload, making autism in adolescence, much like ADHD in teens, feel more intense.

Increased Social Demands

Group hangouts, dating, and social media call for nuanced communication—areas many autistic teens find exhausting or confusing.

Academic & Peer Pressures

Tight deadlines, multi-step projects, and the race for college seats can expose executive-function gaps, leading to shutdowns or outbursts that may be mistaken for poor school performance.

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Our Step-by-Step Autism Assessment Process for Teens

Cadabams CDC makes getting answers straightforward, respectful, and teen-friendly.

Initial Screening Call

• 30-minute phone or video chat with parents.
• Quick checklist covering communication, behavior, and school reports.
• Decision on whether to proceed with full evaluation—no pressure.

Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation

• In-clinic session with a multidisciplinary team (child psychiatrist, speech therapist, occupational therapist).
• Teen-friendly tools (ADOS-2, ADI-R, sensory profile).
• Separate feedback session for parents and teen to ask questions about the ADHD diagnosis.

Personalized Treatment Roadmap

• Clear visual report with strengths, needs, and recommended autism therapy for teens, which may include approaches also used in therapy for ADHD.
• Priority goals: reduce anxiety, boost social skills, and support academic success.
• Timeline and cost estimate shared upfront.

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Evidence-Based Therapies Offered

Once the assessment is complete, therapy is tailored to your teen’s unique profile and family priorities.

Behavioral Intervention for Teens

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) adapted for adolescents.
• Focus on self-regulation, homework routines, and emotional coping plans.
• Weekly 1-to-1 sessions plus monthly parent check-ins.

Social Skills Groups

• Small groups (4-6 teens) run by speech-language therapists. Our skill development programs for ADHD offer similar structured support.
• Role-play real-life scenes: ordering at a café, texting etiquette, handling teasing.
• Progress tracked with discreet video feedback and teen-friendly ratings.

Parent & Family Training

• 4-session crash course: decoding teen moods, setting fair screen-time rules, crisis de-escalation.
• Private WhatsApp group for questions between sessions. We also offer family counseling for ADHD to support the whole family unit.
• Optional sibling workshops to build understanding and support.

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Preparing Your Teen for the Transition to Adulthood

Turning 18 is not a finish line—it’s a new starting block. Cadabams CDC’s transition program equips teens with practical tools for the next chapter.

Life Skills Coaching

• Cooking, budgeting, and public-transport navigation taught in real settings (kitchen lab, nearby mall).
• Use of visual schedules and smartphone reminders to foster independence.

Career & Academic Guidance

• Career interest profiling and internship placements.
• Help with college entrance exam accommodations and learning assistance for ADHD support plans.

Independent Living Support

• Mock apartment stays with 24/7 on-call support.
• Safety drills: handling strangers, emergency contacts, online privacy.
• Gradual step-down model—more freedom as competence grows.