Many people think that autistic children and adolescents aren’t interested in making friends or spending time with others. However, for a lot of young people in the autism community, this isn’t true. Autistic people often want to be close to others and seek companionship, but lack the social skills to make friendships a reality.
Some young people look forward to the summer holidays, waiting for the chance to take a break from work, spend time with friends, and enjoy fun activities. However, this isn’t the case for everyone. Many teenagers and adolescents struggle with a lack of routine and distance from their usual support systems while others have to navigate difficult environments at home.
In the past, people thought that many more boys than girls were autistic. Diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder among girls and women were very rare and diagnostic criteria for autism tended to reflect the traits presented by men and boys. However, we now know that there are many non-binary people, girls, and women on the autistic spectrum.
Film, animation, and other types of media can have a big impact on the thoughts and feelings of young people and the social norms that shape society. Through its portrayal of different characters, anime may have both positive and negative effects on how young people perceive themselves and others around them.
Young people living in Hong Kong experienced many changes during the pandemic. Schools were closed for several months at a time, physical activities were restricted, and opportunities to spend time with friends were limited. As well as these changes, young people shared worries and anxieties that they, family members or other people close to them would become ill.
When a young person commits to seeking mental health treatment, it’s a huge step forward. However, there are still some decisions to be made. There are many different options available for young people, including local residential treatment, outpatient treatment, and residential programs abroad.
This parents’ guide offers some more information about what conduct disorder is, how it affects a young person’s life, and how to distinguish it from other conditions. It also explores different treatment options and introduces The Wave’s transformative approach to recovery.
Eating problems develop when a young person’s relationship with food starts to take over their daily life, affecting their ability to feel good or do the things they care about.
Suicide in the autism community is a national crisis that requires transformative social change. Research is helping us to understand why suicide is more common among autistic people and what we can do to change it.
Have any questions or want to get started with the admissions process? Contact our friendly care team – they’ll be happy to answer any questions or concerns you might have and will walk you through how to prepare for your child’s stay at The Wave.
