Adolescence can be a challenging time for both teens and their families, especially for those who think or behave differently from their peers. Neurodivergent teens—like those with ADHD or autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—often navigate the world in unique ways, which can sometimes be misunderstood by others. Many common neurodivergent behaviors are the result of frustration or overstimulation. Often, they’re ways to self-soothe or try and learn in a world that challenges how they think.
Neurodevelopmental treatment for adolescents at Family First in South Florida can help your teen learn skills for navigating the neurotypical world around them. Call 888.904.5947 to learn more.
5 Common Neurodivergent Behaviors
If you’ve noticed—or one of your child’s teachers has brought up—new behaviors in your teen that seem different or challenging, it’s possible they could have undiagnosed ADHD, ASD, or sensory processing issues. While every adolescent is unique, these traits are often seen in neurodivergent people.
1. Attention Issues
Teens with ADHD or similar conditions may struggle with attention issues. They can find it challenging to focus on tasks that are not interesting or stimulating to them, especially if the environment is distracting. On the flip side, they might hyperfocus on something they enjoy—spending hours immersed in an activity without noticing the time pass. These attention challenges can impact schoolwork and daily routines, but with support, teens can develop skills to improve their focus.
2. Stimming
Stimming, or self-stimulating behavior, is a common way for neurodivergent teens to manage their emotions or sensory experiences. Stimming can include repetitive movements like rocking, hand-flapping, or tapping. These behaviors may help adolescents feel calm or regulate overwhelming feelings. While stimming might seem unusual to others, it serves an important purpose in managing internal experiences, which can lead to fewer tantrums. Recognizing when stimming is more appropriate—or finding a new stimming behavior that’s less disruptive—can help minimize disruptions.
3. Selective or Picky Eating
Many neurodivergent adolescents experience selective or picky eating due to sensory sensitivities. Certain textures, tastes, or smells can be overwhelming, making it difficult for them to eat a variety of foods. It’s important for parents to approach this behavior with patience, offering new foods gradually and respecting their teen’s preferences without pressure. Professional support from occupational or nutrition therapists can help expand a teen’s diet over time as well as ensuring they’re getting the nutrition that keeps them healthy.
4. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is another common behavior seen in neurodivergent teens. They may make decisions without thinking about the consequences or act on urges quickly, which can include talking over others or interrupting. This can create challenges at school, at home, and in social settings. The goal of treatment is not to eliminate impulsivity but to teach coping mechanisms and tools to manage it better—turning it into a positive energy for creativity and action.
5. Strong Interests
Neurodivergent adolescents often have strong interests or passions to which dedicate significant time and energy. This could be anything from art, video games, science, or a specific show. While it’s important to encourage variety in activities, strong interests can be a great source of motivation and joy—and even lead to future career opportunities.
Celebrate Neurodiversity at Family First
At Family First, we believe that neurodivergent behaviors are not deficits but differences that should be celebrated. Our neurodevelopmental treatment helps teens learn to navigate the world around them while embracing the things that make them unique. We also provide family support to help parents understand more about how their child thinks, acts, and feels so that they can help their teen as they go through adolescence into adulthood. Call 888.904.5947 or contact us online now to get started.