Adolescence (12 to 18)
What Should My Child Be Doing?
- As a teen in early adolescence, entering puberty is expected. Parents/caregivers may notice changes in their child’s behavior as their teen experiences changes in hormones. Additionally, young teens may begin to focus more on themselves and their body image. It is also a time that mood changes can begin for some adolescents, and they may start to experience more emotions that can lead to mental health concerns, such as anxiety or depression. As adolescents reach their later teens, they begin focusing on skills that will help them become an independent adult. Nutrition and exercise are important to both physical and mental health.
- Communication continues to develop into adolescence, with teens becoming more able to express their ideas and emotions. They may start to communicate more with friends than with parents as they learn to become independent. Friends and romantic relationships become important to adolescents, especially as they mature.
What services might my child/family want or need?
An adolescent’s services should fit with their age and goals, as well as their family’s values and needs. An adolescent who has difficulty with academics, self-help, or work skills may need support from teachers or school staff, while an adolescent with anxiety or depression may need mental health services. See below for descriptions of services and targeted areas for this age group.
Special education services:
Exceptional Children's Assistance Center
Transition services offered through the school begin by the time a child turns 16, though they may begin sooner. Transition goals are related to training, education, employment, and independent living skills.
Transition PlanningThis IEP roadmap from the ECAC includes information about secondary transition.
IEP Roadmap & Secondary TransitionStudent Vocational Rehabilitation Services
College Transition Information
TEACCH's T-STEP Program
Occupational Therapy may help adolescents with self-help skills, organizational skills or sensory issues. Find occupational therapists in your area who may have some knowledge of autism. You can enter “occupational therapists” and your zip code to search providers in your area.
Autism Society of NC Resource Directory Autism Speaks Resource GuideMental Health Therapy may be helpful for adolescents who have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health needs. You can enter “mental health” and your zip code to search providers in your area.
Autism Society of NC Resource Directory Autism Speaks Resource GuideResource and Referral specialists are available at each Regional Center of the UNC TEACCH Program:
TEACCH Resource and Referral Specialists
Resource and Referral specialists are available through the Autism Society of North Carolina:
ASNC Resource Specialists
Care navigators may also be available through a family’s MCO or health plan. For families who have managed Medicaid, you can find your local MCO here:
NC DHHS: LME/MCO Directory
Work Together NC helps individuals find the community supports they need to transition and thrive as adults. This might include finding a job or a place to volunteer, postsecondary education, housing, social and recreational opportunities, and more:
Work Together NC
Where can services be delivered?
Services can be delivered in different locations. Some services are delivered in the school setting by therapists and educators employed by the school, while some providers may work in a clinic, and the adolescents may need to travel to get services. Telehealth is another way services can be provided if the health plan will cover this option. For parents of adolescents, it is important to consider the teen’s goals and whether telehealth is a practical option. Click below to find service providers in your area and remember to ask about the possible locations.
What agencies provide services in my area?
- The Autism Society of North Carolina has a searchable database to learn more about providers and agencies that provide intervention for autistic adolescents in your area:
Autism Society of NC Resource Directory - If you have a Medicaid insurance plan, your MCO (Managed Care Organization) can provide care management.
Find your local MCO contact: - Several services may be offered through your child’s school via an Individualized Education Program (IEP), including but not limited to speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and Extended School Year (ESY) services.
Your child's rights - Vocational Rehabilitation is a state program that helps people with physical, sensory, mental, emotional, or learning disabilities get or keep a job. Adolescents may be referred to apply for services by a teacher, school counselor, or medical professional.
Vocational Rehabilitation FAQs:
How do I pay for services?
There are different ways to pay for services. Some programs are publicly funded, and the family does not need to pay, such as services through the school system. Health plans or health insurance often fund part or all the cost of certain services. Although it may be expensive, families may also have the option to pay for the service themselves. If a family is not able to pay for a service, there may be grants available to help cover the cost.
Adolescents with a developmental delay or qualifying disability are often eligible for free school services.
IEP Referral Process Special Education Services Information Find the School Coordinator in your regionSome families with an adolescent with autism or developmental delays may be eligible for Social Security Income (SSI). In addition to having a documented developmental disability, there are income requirements.
SSI and additional funding resources SSI webpageThe Innovations Waiver is designed to provide funding to support adolescents with disabilities in the community. Eligibility is based on an individual having a developmental disability and their level of need. It is not based on income. There is a long waitlist and applying early is recommended. In addition, it may open the door for other services and support.
Innovations Waiver Info and How to applyFamilies apply for Innovations Waiver through their MCO.
Find your MCO/LME
First in Families has fourteen regional chapters across North Carolina and helps families get what they need to participate in their community.
First in FamiliesAutism Care Today is a national program that provides grant funding of up to $5000 to families. They provide funding directly to the identified treatment providers to cover the cost of services.
Autism Care TodayWhat community programs may be helpful?
The Autism Faith Network has many resources for how to make a faith community accessible for adolescents with autism. You may also find various family and social support programs in your home church or faith community.
Autism Faith Network
After-school programs are not just extensions of the school day, they can be a way for adolescents with autism to get academic support, interact with peers, and practice play and social skills.
Find after school programs in NC
In Eastern North Carolina Trillium Health has partnered with community organizations to offer after-school programs. Students ages 16 and up can participate in Transition to Employment programs as an after-school program.
Transition to Employment programs
Many museums, aquariums, and parks in North Carolina have sensory-friendly days.
Find sensory friendly places and events
Special Olympics North Carolina has programs offered across NC. Athletes can compete in the Special Olympics.
Special Olympics
More community Park and Recreation Centers are now offering specialized programs in the arts and sports. Contact your local center to see if any programs are available for the disability community.
BFAST is a UNC TEACCH Autism Program project in collaboration with the Autism Society of NC and the Frank
Porter Graham Child Development Institute made possible through funding from the C Felix Harvey Foundation