My ASD Child

The Car Ride Home: A Familiar Story You pick your teenager up from school and can tell instantly that something’s off. Their backpack is half-zipped, their jaw is tight, and you get the one-word answers: “How was your day?” “Fine.” You ask about homework. They snap, “I don’t know!” A few hours later, they’re in meltdown—yelling about a group project, refusing to do homework, or shutting down in their room under a blanket. From the outside, it can look like laziness, defiance, or overreaction. On the inside, though, your autistic teen may be carrying a full day’s worth of invisible stress : sensory overload, social confusion, fear of failure, and constant pressure to keep up. This chapter is about that load—and how you, as a parent, can help lighten it without sacrificing your teen’s growth. Why School Is Extra Hard for Autistic Teens 1. The Social Minefield Hallways, group projects, partner work, “turn and talk”—school is built on fast, intuitive social interaction. Autistic...

For many parents of autistic teenagers, technology and gaming are both a lifeline and a source of worry. Screens can offer structure, comfort, creativity, and connection—but they can also become battlegrounds of control, isolation, or obsession. Parents often ask, “Is my teen addicted to their device?” or “Should I limit their gaming time even if it helps them cope?” The truth is nuanced. Technology isn’t inherently harmful; it’s a tool—and like all tools, its impact depends on how it’s used, how it fits into daily routines, and whether it helps or hinders growth. In this chapter, we’ll explore how autistic teens engage with technology, what gaming provides emotionally and neurologically, and how to guide balance without constant conflict. You’ll find scripts, checklists, worksheets, and compassionate strategies to turn screens from stress points into supports for learning, creativity, and self-regulation. Understanding Why Technology Feels So Powerful for Autistic Teens 1. Predic...

  School can be a battlefield for autistic teenagers—a place filled with noise, unpredictability, and social complexities that feel impossible to decode. For many parents, the school years bring a constant cycle of stress, advocacy, and exhaustion. You might wake up every morning wondering whether your teen will make it through the day without a meltdown, misunderstanding, or panic attack. Academic expectations add another layer. Teachers want progress. Schools demand compliance. Classmates notice differences. Meanwhile, your teen may be fighting invisible battles—sensory overload, communication fatigue, perfectionism, or fear of failure. This chapter will help you navigate school stress and academic pressure with calm strategy and compassion. You’ll learn how to decode your teen’s struggles, collaborate with teachers, and build a realistic plan for success that honors both your child’s needs and their potential. Understanding Why School Is So Stressful 1. The Social Labyrinth...