My ASD Child

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...

When most people think of autism, they imagine a child who is cautious, structured, and predictable. But the teenage years bring new dimensions—curiosity, independence, and sometimes risky behaviors that can shock even the most prepared parents. Autistic teenagers, like all teens, explore boundaries. Yet their reasoning processes, social understanding, and sensory experiences may heighten danger or obscure it. Parents who once worried about meltdowns or communication now find themselves facing new concerns: wandering, online vulnerability, sexual safety, impulsive behavior, or even encounters with the law. This chapter helps parents navigate those complex realities with compassion and practical structure. You’ll learn how to understand risk through the autistic lens, respond to danger without panic, and teach your teen self‑protection skills that respect their growing autonomy. Why Risk Can Look Different for Autistic Teens Impulsivity and poor situational awareness: Executive ...