It will seem like it happens overnight. Your little guy will go from holding your hand while you walk to school to asking to be dropped off a block away from their friends. This awkward transition to adolescence happens with all children. However, it presents unique challenges when it comes to children with autism. As a parent, it’s best to prepare for this stage in advance and find ways that you can ease the process. At Monarch House, we can offer some strategies to help you brace for this period so your child has a chance to develop and thrive naturally. 

Here are ten ways to support your child with autism in Toronto during this critical time.

1. Plan for Emotional Regulation

Have you seen Inside Out 2? This Disney film does an incredible job of demonstrating the changes that happen in your child’s brain as they enter into puberty. It’s not uncommon to see emotional outbursts become more frequent and pronounced as your child experiences anxiety for the first time and encounters new challenges. One of the ways that we can help at Monarch House is by teaching emotional regulation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and sensory breaks. Be sure to collaborate with our behavioural and occupational therapists to create personalized strategies that work for your child.

2. Discuss Safety and Boundaries

The internet, and social media in particular, is a looming threat that wasn’t an issue for most teens twenty years ago. It requires a new level of vigilance. Teaching safety and personal boundaries online is a critical requirement for children entering adolescence. As a parent or caregiver, be sure to use clear, consistent language to discuss topics such as online safety, understanding consent, and identifying inappropriate behaviour. Be sure to work with our professional therapists at Monarch House to ensure these lessons are effectively communicated.

3. Build a Support Network

It’s not easy seeing a friend group fluctuate as hormones rage in the mid-teens. The teenage years can be isolating, especially for children with autism. Help your child connect with others who share their interests. At Monarch House, we can help with some strategies and opportunities for group interaction. Encourage your child to join local or online autism support groups, extracurricular clubs, or special interest organizations. There are many fun and creative ways to build friendships and a sense of community. Having a solid network of friends can greatly enhance their confidence and well-being.

4. Understand The Changes Of Adolescence

From a ferocious drive for independence, to acne, to extreme shifts in social circles, puberty can bring some radical physical, emotional, and relationship changes. For children with autism, these transformations can be overwhelming. Educate yourself about puberty and discuss what to expect in an age-appropriate way. Use visual aids, social stories, or apps designed to explain bodily changes and emotional shifts.

5. Enhance Communication Skills

It’s one thing to experience changes in your wants and needs and another to be able to articulate these new desires in an appropriate way which others can relate to. As your child’s social environment grows more complex, communication skills become increasingly important. Work with speech therapists at Monarch House or with some of our communication coaches via behavioural and occupational therapists to build conversational skills, including understanding non-verbal cues and expressing emotions. Encourage the use of assistive communication tools if needed.

6. Focus On Social Skills Development

Your child’s friend group may change several times as they get older. Finding new friends and maintaining a bond with existing peers is a lifelong skill that requires development and practice. That’s something we can work on at our therapy and workshops at Monarch House. The coming of adolescence often intensifies social interactions and peer relationships. To prepare them, enrol your child in structured social skills groups or therapies to practice navigating friendships, handling peer pressure, and participating in group activities. Role-playing and modeling behaviours can also be effective.

7. Introduce Age-Appropriate Independence

Your child is going to want to start going their own way. Instead of deterring them from making an independent path, equip them with the skills they will need to carry on that route on their own. Begin fostering independence by teaching life skills such as personal hygiene, managing a schedule, and basic cooking. Break tasks into manageable steps and use visual supports to help your child learn these routines. Independence boosts self-confidence and prepares them for adulthood.

8. Address Sensory Needs

Does your child get fussy about the amount of light or noise in the room? Do they fidget endlessly when they are in an uncomfortable tactile environment? It’s not common for children with autism to simply age out of these tendencies. In fact, sensory sensitivities may become more pronounced during adolescence. As a parent or caregiver, you will regularly need to reassess your child’s sensory needs and adjust strategies accordingly. Provide tools like noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, or sensory-friendly clothing to ensure comfort in various environments.

9. Promote Physical Health

Diet and fitness should never be overlooked at any age. However, during adolescence there is so much growth and development, it becomes absolutely crucial to maintain good physical health. At Monarch House, we can help you build a routine that includes balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. If there are specific health concerns, such as diet sensitivities or sleep disturbances, consult healthcare professionals for additional guidance. 

10. Collaborate with Schools and Therapists

How your child interacts with their environment will change drastically as they enter into adolescence. One of those big areas of change will be how they approach schoolwork and their classmates at school. As your child transitions to middle or high school, academic and social demands will increase. Work closely with teachers and therapists to update Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) plans. Ensure accommodations address your child’s evolving needs, such as transitioning between classes or managing increased workloads.

Holding your child’s hand until they learn to run on their own is a bittersweet moment for parents. You want them to develop into independent young adults, yet at the same time you never want them to change. At Monarch House we have a professional, interdisciplinary staff or occupational therapists, behavioural therapists, psychotherapists, and speech pathologists that are here to help you with this tricky adjustment time. Overall, we suggest to parents that you approach this era with a structured gameplan. Start early: Begin preparations before adolescence to give your child time to adjust. Stay patient and flexible: Change can be hard, and progress may come in small steps. Celebrate every achievement. Additionally, don’t forget to prioritize your own well-being. Supporting your child is easier when you’re also taking care of yourself. Seek support from family, friends, or our professional counselors if needed. By proactively preparing for the transition to adolescence, you can help your child navigate this new stage with confidence and resilience. With the right strategies and support, adolescence can become a time of growth, discovery, and meaningful connections for your child with autism in Toronto.