Kaipātiki Parent Pack
Is your Teen Neurodiverse?
Neurodiversity refers to the natural variations in the way people’s brains work. Conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and processing disorders fall under the neurodiversity umbrella. These differences can make it more challenging to regulate emotions, maintain focus, and navigate social situations.
Identifying neurodivergence during the teenage years can be especially difficult. Adolescents are already experiencing mood swings, changing behaviours, and evolving interests, which can mask or mimic signs of neurodivergence. However, recognizing the difference is crucial for providing the right support.
Common Neurodivergent Traits in Teens:
- Social Skills - Difficulty reading body language, avoiding eye contact, and struggling to understand or respond to social cues.
- Attention and Focus - Challenges with procrastination, staying engaged in uninteresting tasks, forgetfulness, and trouble with organization.
- Emotional Regulation - Intense emotional reactions, which may appear as outbursts or periods of shutting down. Even seemingly minor problems can quickly escalate.
- Sensory Sensitivities - Overreactions to sensory input such as noise, textures, bright lights, or strong smells. This can include gagging at certain foods or smells, feeling overwhelmed in crowded spaces, or irritation from specific types of clothing.
Understanding and identifying neurodivergence in your teen can help you support them more effectively as they navigate both their inner world and the demands of the world around them.
Getting a diagnosis can be a powerful step toward personal growth, as it brings clarity, opens the door to support, and provides a clear path to effective treatment and management. The first step is to speak with your GP and request a referral to a qualified specialist.
Resources
autismnz.org.nz
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