When it’s more than shyness or sensitivity
Perhaps your child has always been described as “daydreamy” or “overly sensitive,” but now you see them struggling with overwhelming anxiety.
Maybe your teen feels utterly exhausted after school, needing hours of solitude to recover from social interactions that seem effortless for their peers.
You’ve had a nagging feeling that something deeper is going on, and now you’re hearing more and more about ADHD and autism. Like many parents, you may be wondering why so many teens are being diagnosed these days.
It’s true—we have seen a significant rise in autism and ADHD diagnoses in adolescents. For a parent, this can be confusing. Many wonder, why is autism increasing and why do so many people have ADHD all of a sudden?
Largely, the answer is not that these conditions are becoming more prevalent but that our understanding has grown. We are simply getting better at recognizing what was there all along, especially in teens who were previously overlooked.
Why the rise? Better recognition, not a new epidemic
The increase in diagnoses doesn’t indicate a mysterious new epidemic.
Instead, it reflects a positive shift in awareness and diagnostics.
The CDC reports that the prevalence of autism is now 1 in 31 children, a notable increase from previous years. Similarly, it estimates that 7 million US children had received an ADHD diagnosis in 2022, up from 6 million in 2016.
These increases are largely due to
- Recognition in girls and LGBTQ+ youth: For decades, the classic models for ADHD and autism were based on young, hyperactive boys. We now know these conditions present very differently in girls and non-binary teens, who often develop sophisticated “masking” techniques to hide their traits and better fit in.
- Broader diagnostic criteria: Our understanding of what autism and ADHD look like has expanded beyond narrow stereotypes.
- Increased awareness: More aware of the signs of these conditions, parents, educators, and clinicians are referring more children for evaluation.
- Reduced stigma: While there’s still work to do, there is less stigma attached to being neurodivergent, empowering more people to seek answers.
Signs that are often missed: A closer look at teens
ADHD or autism diagnosis in teens often happens only after they’ve spent years feeling misunderstood.
Signs may have been there all along—just not the ones we were taught to look for.
Common but overlooked signs of ADHD in teens
- Internal hyperactivity: A mind constantly racing with thoughts that make it hard to focus or relax.
- Emotional dysregulation: Intense emotional reactions that seem disproportionate to the situation, often mistaken for teen drama or moodiness.
- Chronic disorganization: A constantly chaotic bedroom, forgotten assignments, and/or difficulty managing time.
- Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD): An extreme emotional sensitivity to the perception of being rejected or criticized by others, which often triggers intense pain.
Common but overlooked signs of autism in teens, especially in girls
- Social “masking” or camouflaging: A teen may effectively perform social interactions by mimicking peers, but this leaves them feeling exhausted, inauthentic, and anxious. After school, they may need to completely shut down in their room to recover.
- Intense, niche interests: While the stereotype is trains or computers, a teen girl’s special interest might be a specific author, a band, or animal conservation—passions they can talk about for hours.
- Sensory sensitivities: Being overwhelmed by bright lights, loud noises (like in a school cafeteria), or the texture of certain foods or clothing.
- Difficulty with spontaneous conversation: They may be highly articulate when talking about their interests but struggle with small talk or navigating the unwritten social rules of their peers.
When neurodivergence and mental health collide
Years of masking, feeling different, and struggling to meet neurotypical expectations takes a toll.
A teen with undiagnosed autism or ADHD is at a much higher risk of developing co-occurring mental health conditions.
The constant effort to fit in can be a direct pathway to burnout, low self-esteem, and social anxiety. The feeling of being fundamentally broken can lead to significant depression.
This is where the right support becomes critical.
It’s not about “fixing” the ADHD or autism; it’s about treating the anxiety, depression, and trauma that have developed as a result of navigating a world not built for them.
At Avery’s House, we practice neuro-affirming care. We specialize in treating the co-occurring mental health conditions that so often accompany neurodivergence.
We understand that a teen with both ADHD and anxiety needs a different approach than one with just anxiety.
Our therapists help teens develop self-advocacy skills, manage sensory overload, and build a positive identity around their unique brain, all while treating the underlying depression or anxiety that brought them to us.
A diagnosis isn’t a label; it’s a roadmap. It provides a framework for self-understanding and gives you, your teen’s loving parent, the tools to support your child in ways that truly help.
If you see your bright, capable teen struggling under the weight of anxiety or depression and suspect there might be more to the story, we’re here to help.Contact Avery’s House today to learn how our specialized care can support your family’s journey to wellness and happiness.
