When people think about autism services, they often picture a three-year-old learning to speak, a five-year-old working on social skills, or parents navigating an elementary school IEP.
But what happens when that child becomes a teenager?
The truth is, a lot of support systems get quiet right around the time life gets loud, and autistic teens, along with their parents, are too often left to navigate this season alone.
Adolescence is a time of enormous change for any kid: identity, hormones, social pressures, growing expectations, the shift toward independence. This transition into adulthood can be overwhelming, especially for autistic teens.
These kids may still be working on skills that others assume they’ve outgrown. They might be masking more than ever just to survive school and struggling with sensory overwhelm, anxiety, executive functioning issues, or mental health challenges, but flying under the radar because they’re not little anymore.
We often hear parents say things like:
“It’s like the resources just dried up after elementary school.”
“People keep telling me they’ll grow out of it, but that’s not what this is.”
“I just want someone to get what we’re going through right now.”
So, why do services drop off for teens? There are a few reasons, including the following: Many early intervention programs are age-capped or school-based. Insurance often prioritizes early developmental support over ongoing needs. Culturally, there’s more awareness and sympathy for young children than for teens who “look fine.” Teens themselves may resist help that feels infantilizing or patronizing.
The result? Autistic teens fall through the cracks, not because their needs are less important, but because they’re less visible.
So, what do our teens actually need? Well, it varies, of course. Every individual is different, but many teens benefit from support in areas such as:
- Emotional regulation and mental health
- Building healthy friendships and boundaries
- Life skills (budgeting, cooking, transportation)
- Self-advocacy and identity
- Career exploration or college prep
- Navigating puberty, relationships, and consent
Above all, they need people who believe in them and will meet them where they are, not where the world thinks they “should” be.
At Journey Therapy Center, we believe teenagers deserve just as much support, respect, and care as younger children, if not more. The teen years are not a time to pull back. They’re a time to lean in with compassion, curiosity, and guidance.
We’re here to walk with you through this stage, whether your teen is just starting middle school, preparing for their first job, or simply figuring out who they are in a world that doesn’t always make space for difference.
JTC’s teen program is based on social skills, and designed to help individuals develop and improve their ability to interact effectively with others. Teens can focus on various aspects of social interaction, including communication, emotional regulation, and problem-solving. These programs often use techniques like role-playing, modeling, and feedback to teach specific social skills, and are offered in the afternoon on weekdays. Call (810) 358-0373 for more information, including enrollment, times, and locations.
Autistic teens don’t outgrow their needs. They outgrow being underestimated. Let’s give them the tools, respect, and support they deserve.
If you’re looking for resources or support for your teen, reach out. We’re here to help.