- Autism is a different way of taking in and making sense of the world. It's not a disease, and nothing is broken.
- It comes with real strengths and real challenges. Both are normal.
- A lot of autistic teens are also ADHD. Many people have both.
- To get checked, you'll usually need a parent or guardian to help set up an appointment.
- Whatever you find out, you're the same person you were before.
What autism is
Autistic brains often notice more detail, feel sounds and textures more strongly, think deeply about the things they care about, and find unwritten social rules confusing. The medical name is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Many people just say autistic.
You might also hear about ADHD, which affects attention and getting started on things. Being both is common, and some people call it AuDHD.
Things many autistic teens notice
This isn't a test. Nobody has all of these.
- School is exhausting, even on good days, and you crash when you get home.
- Loud rooms, bright lights, or certain clothes are really hard to ignore.
- You copy how other people act so you fit in.
- You love some topics so much you could talk about them for hours.
- Group chats and friend drama are confusing, or you miss what people "really mean."
- Changes to plans throw off your whole day.
Finding out for sure
An official diagnosis comes from a psychologist, psychiatrist, or developmental doctor. Because you're under 18, a parent or guardian usually needs to agree and help set it up. If you want to talk to them about it, here are some ways to start.
You can also talk to your doctor or school counselor. They can explain the options.
If you just got diagnosed
- You're the same person. You just have a word for something that was always true.
- It can unlock help at school, like a 504 plan or an IEP. See School.
- You decide who to tell. Friends don't need to know unless you want them to.
- All feelings are normal. Relief, confusion, annoyance, or nothing much.
More to read
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network, which is run by autistic people, has a free guide called Welcome to the Autistic Community, with a version written for teens.