Puberty in Neurodivergent Preteens

Introduction

Puberty is a major life change that all humans undergo during adolescence. Focusing specifically in neurodivergent preteens, this blog will further expand on the starting age of puberty, the different types of changes and challenges neurodivergent preteens may experience, ways to support neurodivergent preteens during puberty, and a few neurodivergent-friendly readings on navigating various aspects of puberty. 

Starting Age of Puberty 

According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (n.d.), normal puberty begins between ages 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys. Puberty that occurs before the age of 8 in girls and 9 in boys is known as precocious puberty, while puberty that starts after the age of 13 in girls and 14 in boys is known as delayed puberty.

However, some studies have shown higher incidence rates of precocious puberty in autistic children, specifically in autistic girls (Corbett et al., 2020; Geier & Geier, 2021). When asked about this during an interview, Corbett summarized that this is something that is being looked into more, for there isn’t an exact answer as to why this may be the case (White, 2020).

Changes and Challenges During Puberty 

With puberty comes a variety of changes and challenges for all individuals. Learning more about these changes can be helpful in order for neurodivergent preteens and their parents to recognize the hormonal changes that are due to puberty.

Some of the most common changes and challenges autistic children and children with ADHD may face or that can intensify during puberty are as follows (ReachOut Parents, n.d.; The Place for Children With Autism, 2020): 

• Difficulty managing emotional responses to emotions or feelings (e.g., anxiety)
• Strong emotional reactions (e.g., irritability) 
• Mood swings 
• Struggles with social communication and language
• Heightened sensitivity to sensory stimulation, which can cause sensory overload and make it challenging to cope with environmental stimuli
• Behavioral struggles 
• Stimming and repetitive behaviors

Along with those changes and challenges, hormonal changes can also result in physical changes. One concept that explains the physical changes of puberty is the Tanner Stage. This concept illustrates the five stages of puberty and categorizes the physical changes to look for during each stage.

• Stage 1 (8–10 years old)

• The brain sends signals to the body to begin producing sex hormones.

• Stage 2 (9–11 years old)
  • Physical development begins at this stage.
• Stage 3 (12–13 years old)
  • Physical development becomes more obvious, including growth spurts.
• Stage 4 (13–14 years old)
  • Physical development becomes the most intense during this stage, with voices becoming permanently deeper and menstruation beginning.
• Stage 5 (15 years old)
  • Physical development gradually comes to an end, with most individuals reaching their full height.

Ways to Support Neurodivergent Preteens through Puberty 

Although the changes and challenges that neurodivergent individuals may encounter during puberty can be difficult to navigate, there are ways we can support them during this time (Zauderer, 2023).

• Gradually introduce the expected changes. This can allow individuals to adjust to the new changes at their own pace.
• Make use of social stories. This can help with understanding and preparing for the changes that come with puberty.

• Implement relaxation techniques. This can vary depending on the individual, but having a toolkit of coping strategies can go a long way (whether that be different forms of deep breathing or sensory input of some sort).

• Be aware of the signs of bullying. This time in a preteen’s life can include being involved in drama, getting bullied, or being a bully. However, many preteens may not want to talk about those things for a variety of reasons. Therefore, a few signs to look out for include behavior changes such as becoming withdrawn or avoiding certain situations, unexplained physical injuries, or a sudden loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed.

• Provide predictability. Autistic individuals often thrive on routine, so gradually introducing new changes and challenges to expect can help reduce anxiety for those individuals.

• Foster communication. This can allow individuals to feel like they’re a part of an open and supportive environment where they can discuss their feelings, thoughts, and emotions.

• Use visual aids and model tasks. This can be especially helpful when it comes to breaking down complex personal hygiene and grooming tasks into smaller steps, whether that be tooth brushing, hair washing, or brushing.

Neurodivergent-Friendly Readings on Puberty  

• • The Autism-Friendly Guide to Periods – Robyn Steward 

• The Growing Up Guide for Boys: What Boys on the Autism Spectrum Need to Know! – Davida Hartman 

• The Growing Up Guide for Girls: What Girls on the Autism Spectrum Need to Know! – Davida Hartman 

• The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Guide – Castellon

• What’s Happening to Ellie? A Book about Puberty for Girls and Young Women with Autism and Related Conditions – Kate Reynolds 

• What’s Happening to Tom? A Book about Puberty for Boys and Young Men with Autism and Related Conditions – Kate Reynolds

Conclusion

Puberty is a life change that everyone goes through and can be a challenging time, especially for neurodivergent preteens. With that being said, it’s important for neurodivergent preteens and parents to be informed about the starting age of puberty, the different types of changes and challenges neurodivergent preteens may experience, ways to support neurodivergent preteens during puberty, and resources that can help make puberty a bit more bearable. 

References 

Autism and puberty. (2020). The Place for Children With Autism. https://theplaceforchildrenwithautism.com/autism-blog/autism-and-puberty 

Corbett, B. A., Vandekar, S., Muscatello, R. A., & Tanguturi, Y. (2020). Pubertal timing during early adolescence: advanced pubertal onset in females with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Research, 13(12), 2202–2215. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2406 

Geier, D. A., & Geier, M. R. (2021). A longitudinal cohort study of precocious puberty and autism spectrum disorder. Hormone Research in Paediatrics, 94(5–6), 219–228. https://doi.org/10.1159/000519141 

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development – NICHD. (n.d.). https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/factsheets/puberty 

What is puberty like for teens with ADHD? – ReachOut Parents. (n.d.). https://parents.au.reachout.com/common-concerns/everyday-issues/things-to-try-puberty-and-teenagers/what-is-puberty-like-for-teens-with-adhd 

White, T. (2023). Puberty may arrive early for some autistic girls. Spectrum | Autism Research News. https://www.spectrumnews.org/opinion/q-and-a/puberty-may-arrive-early-for-some-autistic-girls/#:~:text=Boys%20and%20girls%20in%20the,in%20October%20in%20Autism%20Research. 

Zauderer, S. (2023). Autism and Puberty: How to support your child. https://www.crossrivertherapy.com/autism/autism-and-puberty#coping-strategies-for-sensory-issues-during-puberty