The Puberty Effect Presenters Tracy Kettering, Ph.D., BCBA-D Director, Bancroft ABA Center of Excellence Lisa Alberts, DNP, APRN-BC, PMHNP-BC Senior Clinical Director of Children’s Health, Bancroft For more information: www.bancroft.org

Puberty & Adolescence Puberty: Physical and hormonal changes Hormonal changes: Estrogen in females; testosterone in males Ages 7-13 for girls; 9-15 for boys Physical changes: Girls: Growth, breast development, menstruation Boys: Growth, hair growth, changes in secondary sex characteristics Adolescence: Psychological, social, emotional transition Many adolescents experience anxiety, tiredness, moodiness/irritability

Co-existing Conditions and Autism Spectrum Disorder 70%: least one comorbid condition, 40%: 2 or more Common medical conditions: Epilepsy (20-30%) Bowel disorders (10-20%) Sleep problems (as many as 70%) Common psychiatric conditions: Social anxiety disorders range from 7.5% to 30% Specific phobias range from 7% to 28% Anxiety has been reported in as high as 85% ADHD in approximately 30% Simenoff, 2008 Mannion et al. 2013 Rzepecka et al. 2011

As a parent, what do I need? Have a plan in place; do your homework Find resources to help talk to/explain things to a young person who has trouble communicating Work with your child’s team - advocate for assessment and teaching of skills that your child will need at this age

Mental Health Conditions: What to Look For Any sudden change in behavior Significant mood swings: Extreme or prolonged sadness, crying, irritability Sudden changes in sleep habits or appetite Loss of interest in favorite things or activities

Resources Your child’s team! Skills assessments (Assessment of Functional Living Skills; AFLS or Essential for Living) can help guide your strategies for you and your teams