With most parents, their child’s adolescence is amongst the most difficult times of life. When puberty strikes, young adults’ bodies and minds lead to significant changes, and parents have little to no influence over certain cases. Puberty is, therefore, no different in an autistic child. Even though your autistic child cannot go through puberty in the same manner as other children his or her age do, significant hormonal fluctuations do occur in the body. This can have extreme consequences, which can be positive or highly dependent on how your child responds to the new hormone levels.
The occurrence of seizures is among the most frightening side impact of changes in an autistic person’s body. Numerous autistic people have seizures from infants to adults, although if your kid does not have these events, he or she can start to have seizures during puberty and afterwards, owing to the body’s natural new hormone levels. As odd as it might seem, severe shaking seizures are not really a bad thing. Seizures affect about a quarter of children with autism but often go overlooked because they are not textbook seizures. If you know that your kid is experiencing a seizure, you should take action, and physicians will be able to treat your child more effectively. That being said, if the seizures occur consciously or unconsciously, you and your child might be unaware. These small hidden seizures can lead to a loss of control, which could be tragic, particularly if your child was progressing prior to puberty. Daily check-ups during puberty are also essential.
The adjustments might not be entirely negative. New hormone levels in the body, as well as other adjustments in the onset of puberty, can assist your autistic child in growing and succeeding in areas where he or she previously had no ability or interest. Several parents say that their child’s actions changed and also that social interaction became easier.
The most important fact to notice regarding puberty is to know how to closely track your child’s shifts and ask your doctor if you have a series of doubts. Note that adolescence is challenging time any young person and would be even more daunting for anyone with autism. Stay patient and compassionate with your teenager and be mindful of regulating his or her autism such that the transition from child to adult is as smooth as possible.