Teen Autistic Spectrum Disorders
Teens with autism spectrum disorders who are often diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, or high-functioning autism can benefit from the Family Bootcamp experience. Teens with Asperger's syndrome are often intelligent and capable, but can struggle to communicate with others and can lack social skills. The frustration of not being able to communicate and express themselves, combined with social challenges, can result in the development of behavioral problems and/or other emotional struggles.
Help for Teen Asperger's Syndrome and ASD
In adolescent culture, teens that appear different are often alienated and mistreated. Those struggling with Asperger’s issues tend to have odd mannerisms including speaking in an unmodulated voice, avoiding eye contact, interrupting others, violating others’ physical space, and steering conversations to their favorite odd topic. Often times, friendships and understanding reciprocity can be overwhelming and create challenges for maintaining relationships.
Many teens with ASD are oblivious to teen fads and clothing styles. In fact, some may neglect their hygiene and simply are not able to present themselves in such a manner as to gain the acceptance and approval of their peers in the insecure world of teen society. Often teen with Asperger’s or ASD remain stuck engaged in hobbies such as Yugio cards, Legos and Star Wars figurines, instead of moving into adolescent concerns like popular music, Facebook, cell phones and dating. Additionally, many lack motor coordination which leaves them out of high school sports, typically an essential area of male bonding and friendship.
Teens with ASD or Asperger’s often don’t pick up on knowledge of sex and dating behaviors that other teens pick up naturally. This leaves them naive and clueless about sex. Boys can become obsessed with Internet pornography and masturbation.
These challenges and countless others are what teens with Asperger’s Syndrome and other Autistic Spectrum Disorders face on a daily basis. These challenges can easily overwhelm not just the teen, but also the family. The Family Bootcamp experience provides a much needed respite from these issues and allows for both the teen and the parents to receive counsel and guidance for navigating the intense challenges that accompany these problems.