239. Autism Spectrum Disorders: Parent Navigation Through the Teen Years

What does it really take to guide a teenager toward independence in an ever-changing world? 

From managing IEPs and beginning transition planning at 14 to fostering self-awareness and skills for adult life, the journey is layered with challenges and growth. Parents like today’s guest, Natasha Robertson grapple with teaching social media safety, addressing emotional needs, and balancing day-to-day struggles with long-term goals. The process is both exhausting and inspiring, requiring patience, persistence, and firm advocacy. While the tools like coaching, therapies, and community support help, the weight often falls on families to navigate complex systems, such as educational frameworks and disability services. For teens, building independence means developing judgment, learning routines, and understanding boundaries in a digital age. For parents, like Natasha, it means preparing them for emotional, financial, and social self-reliance while ensuring basic skills are mastered.

 Are we as a society truly equipping these families and teens with the tools they need, or are we still leaving them to figure it out in isolation?

[00:00 - 08:34]  Evolving Services and Self-Advocacy

• Realizing that past trial-and-error with therapies informs current decisions
• The child’s ability to describe symptoms (e.g., stomach pain, insomnia) guides interventions
• Emphasizing the shift from purely parent-led advocacy to incorporating the teen’s direct feedback
• Preparing for ongoing changes in support needs as the child advances academically and socially

[08:35 - 15:47] Navigating the Teen Years

• Addressing the impact of puberty and hormonal shifts on behavior
• Considering new social interactions and the need for structured support
• Implementing coaching strategies for everyday routines (e.g., chores, picking out clothes)
• Recognizing that independent living skills build gradually through guided practice

[15:48 -28:40]  Managing Digital Boundaries

• Establishing phone usage restrictions (e.g., set times) to protect against late-night browsing
• Finding monitoring tools (apps that flag concerning words) to balance privacy and safety
• Realizing that direct honesty about monitoring builds trust with teens
• Coaching the teen on responsible online communication and the risks of oversharing personal data

[28:41 - 53:19]  Caregiver Self-Care and Resilience

• Carving out small daily moments for personal relaxation (e.g., a movie break or foot soak)
• Relieving stress by connecting regularly with supportive friends
• Observing that the teen’s increased coping skills allow the caregiver to pause before intervening
• Trusting the cumulative impact of years of therapies and interventions

[53:20 - 1:01:50]   Dr. G’s TakeAways

Contact Natasha Robertson

 [e-mail].

Additional Resources Mentioned

• Community Living Supports: Services that assist with daily living skills and social engagement.
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• Individualized Education Program (IEP) & Transition Planning: Formal educational plans that outline services and future goals for adolescents.
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• Career-Connect Programs: Local agencies or initiatives that help teens explore job training, résumé building, and employment opportunities.
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• Book: A teen parenting guide by Dr. Ken Ginsburg, titled Congrats, You’re Having a Teen, referenced for positive perspectives on adolescence.