–Triveni Goswami Vernal
Registered Special Educator (A64010)

Puberty is the process through which the bodies undergo physical and hormonal changes to attain sexual maturity. It is a phase that brings with it changes in how one feels, emotes and responds to various situations. Individuals become more self-aware, they experience mood swings and experience heightened emotions. In their attempt to establish an identity of their own, they tend to “fit in” with their peer group, become rebellious, may develop anxiety and engage in impulsive behaviours.

For the neurotypical population, puberty and the changes, it brings forth, can be expressed in a multitude of ways. In contrast, puberty can be particularly challenging for the neurodiverse population. Expression of inner thoughts and emotions, the changes that their bodies are undergoing—all of this become challenging for them.

In a lot of children with Autism, puberty is marked by heightened emotions, mood swings and episodes of aggression. It is all the more difficult for individuals who are unable to express how they feel—through words or an assistive device. It is seen that individuals with Autism may develop heightened sensory sensitivities during puberty. This could be a result of all the changes taking place within their bodies.

Individuals on the Autism spectrum, undergoing puberty, may develop anxiety and feel overwhelmed by all that is happening within them, as well as the expectations of the people around them on how they are expected to behave with people in social situations. Emotional and self-regulation may become more challenging. Impulse control may require more attention and focus for them, to equip them for these challenges. Executive Functioning and Planning are other areas that may require a more concerted focus to help individuals on the spectrum, transition puberty.

In my subsequent blogs, I will be focusing on various aspects (Aggression, Emotional and Self-regulation, Executive Functioning and Planning, Social Communication and Self-care & Hygiene) that can be impacted by puberty in individuals with Autism, and the strategies that can help them with the process of transition.

REFERENCES:
https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-and-puberty-aggression/
https://www.livingonthespectrum.com/health-and-wellbeing/challenges-faced-by-autistic-teenagers-during-puberty/#google_vignette
https://www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/puberty-and-autism-an-unexplored-transition/
https://www.abtaba.com/blog/puberty-and-autism#:~:text=Individuals%20with%20autism%20often%20experience,overwhelming%20for%20someone%20with%20autism.
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Author Triveni Goswami Vernal

Triveni Goswami Vernal is an Autism advocate, registered Special Educator (CRR A64010) and an Independent Researcher. Her areas of interest include Autism, Disability Rights, Gender, Art and Northeast studies. She is a mum to an 13 year old on the Autism Spectrum.

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Artwork “Fear”, Artist Kabir Vernal
Acrylic Painting on Ivory Paper