1. 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:

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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