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Why Autism Symptoms Can Be More Noticeable in Teens: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
As a parent of a 14-year-old recently diagnosed with Level 1 Autism, I’ve come to understand that autism isn’t something that suddenly appears. Sometimes, it’s been there all along, just quietly woven into the fabric of your child’s being. For years, my daughter was seen as a quirky, bright, hilarious, and compassionate kid. And she is all those things. But behind that brilliant mind and so much empathy, is a nervous system constantly bombarded by stimulation, demands, and unspoken expectations. Internally, it can feel like she’s on fire—overwhelmed by noise, social complexity, and the invisible rules of the world that she often doesn’t understand. It’s hard to watch your child…
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How to Support High-Support Needs Families: A Therapist’s Insight
For those of you who know me personally, it’s hard to know me without knowing my brother. My brother is the reason why I am the helper I am. The therapist I am. And the woman I am today. He has taught me more of my life lessons than any other person, and has done so without using words. My brother has Level 3 Autism, or what used to be referred to as “severe Autism.” He is conversationally non-verbal and has epilepsy. Inside the Challenges of a High-Support Needs Family Life has always been different for my family. We don’t go to restaurants. We take shifts on who is watching…
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Supporting Teen Girls with Level 1 Autism in a Challenging World
In a world that often expects conformity, teen girls with Level 1 Autism are navigating a uniquely complex path—one filled with hidden challenges, unspoken anxiety, and the pressure to “fit in” at the expense of their well-being. While many may appear to be coping or even thriving externally, the truth is that these girls are often masking their struggles to avoid standing out. Underneath this mask, many are battling social exhaustion, sensory overload, emotional dysregulation, and intense anxiety that can quietly derail their mental health. The Silent Struggles of Teen Girls with Level 1 Autism Level 1 Autism—sometimes referred to as “high-functioning autism”—includes individuals who do not need substantial support…
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3 Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month! What does that mean? April used to be referred to as Autism Awareness Month. But as the years went on, the ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) community felt that plenty of people were “aware” of ASD and that what the country really needed was Autism Acceptance. I recently saw a quote that said: “Awareness means you know I’m here; Acceptance means you are happy to see me.” I think that is a great way to differentiate what this means. So how can we be more accepting in how we celebrate Autism Acceptance Month? Autism Acceptance Month: 3 Ways to Celebrate and Show Support 1. Learn More…
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TikTok Says I’m Autistic — How Do I Know If It’s True?
The age of social media has changed the game when it comes to mental health. It’s amazing that so many people have been able to see that they are not alone, and it has greatly helped de-stigmatize certain mental health issues. With that said, there is still a lot of stigma and we have a long way to go. The downside of the mental health side of social media is a sharp increase of people diagnosing themselves with disorders they do not meet the criteria for. I have had quite a few clients tell me that they have figured out from TikTok that they are Autistic, but upon talking to…
