Reviewed by the Ridge RTC Clinical Team 

The symptoms of autism in teens vary from individual to individual. However, if you’re concerned that your child may be on the autism spectrum, knowing the most obvious signs of teen autism is an important first step in getting them the help they need. 

In many cases, the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) become more pronounced in adolescence, when things like increased social and academic pressure make them difficult to ignore. Read on to learn about the common symptoms of ASD in teens, and contact our team at The Ridge RTC to learn about our dedicated adolescent autism program and family support services. 

Table of Contents:

• Autism Symptoms in a Teenager: What to Look For
• Why Is It So Hard to Recognize the Signs of Autism in Teens?
• Support and Treatment for the Symptoms of ASD in Teens
• Key Takeaways

Autism Symptoms in a Teenager: What to Look For

For a teenager, autism symptoms may appear different from how they do in early childhood or young adulthood. They can also be harder to spot, especially in teen girls. 

So what should you be looking for? Here are some of the most common signs of autism in teens, all of which can have a major impact on a teenager’s ability to function and thrive in their day-to-day life. 

Category	Symptom Examples
Social Symptoms	Trouble with conversations, reading social cues, and maintaining eye contact, often making it difficult to make or keep friends.
Behavioral Symptoms	Repetitive actions, a need for rigid routines, and hyperfixation on specific topics or hobbies.
Sensory Symptoms	Sensitivity to certain lights, sounds, textures, etc., often related to things like clothing, food, or a teen’s general environment.
Emotional Symptoms	Mood swings, inability to handle frustration or disappointment, difficulty naming and processing emotions, struggles with emotional regulation, and co-occurring anxiety or depression.

Why Is It So Hard to Recognize the Signs of Autism in Teens?

Teenagers are a tricky group when it comes to accurately diagnosing disorders like ASD. 

If a teenager is high-functioning, their symptoms may be written off or simply chalked up to normal teenage angst or awkwardness. Likewise, teens may be improperly diagnosed as having another disorder, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, or certain mood or personality disorders. 

Things are further complicated by the fact that autism is a spectrum disorder. The symptoms of ASD in teens will naturally vary between individuals, and even within the same symptom category, they may not show up in the same way. A good example of this is the difference in autism symptoms between genders: boys tend to externalize their symptoms and present with behavioral challenges and outbursts, while girls often internalize their symptoms through masking and emotional repression. The result of all this confusion is late diagnoses (or no diagnosis at all), which can have profound effects on a teen as they mature. 

Parents or teens who notice possible signs may want to start with an autism screening as a helpful initial step. These screenings are not diagnostic tools but can indicate whether a diagnostic evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider is warranted. Screening tools, such as those suggested by Autism Speaks, help identify potential signs early and can increase the likelihood of timely diagnosis and access to appropriate support. 

Support and Treatment for the Symptoms of ASD in Teens

Early intervention and support make all the difference for autistic teens. Individual treatment needs will vary, but are generally focused on things like:

• Social skills coaching
• Sensory support
• Increased structure
• Occupational therapy
• Peer support groups
• Life skills training
• Evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Speech and Language Therapy, and/or Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy

Key Takeaways

The symptoms of autism in teens tend to be spread across four distinct categories: social, behavioral, sensory, and emotional. Within each category, you’ll find a wide range of specific behaviors and challenges, with further variation based on age, gender, and where a teen falls on the spectrum. This can make it difficult to pinpoint what’s going on, though an accurate autism diagnosis is absolutely possible in the teen years. 

Ignoring autism will not make it go away. Fortunately, early recognition and specialized interventions that follow may improve long-term outcomes. If you have witnessed one or more of the teen autism symptoms noted above, it’s time to seek out professional help. Be your child’s biggest advocate, and set them up for the bright future they deserve. 

We are here to help your family through an autism diagnosis and beyond. Contact us for expert support, and explore The Ridge RTC website to learn more about residential care options for teens. The Ridge RTC’s clinical and medical staff includes licensed medical professionals, therapists, mental health specialists, and board-certified psychiatrists, each with extensive experience in adolescent treatment. Visit our Team page to learn more.