Autism and Adolescence

Adolescence is a transformative developmental period marked by significant cognitive, social, and emotional changes impacting adaptive functioning and well-being into adulthood. For autistic individuals, this period is particularly complex, yet our knowledge on adolescence remains limited compared to research on early childhood. This gap in our understanding has profound implications for autistic youth now (e.g., the development of nuanced and effective interventions that cater to the needs of autistic adolescents) and in the future (e.g., how autistic adolescents navigate the transition to adulthood).

This Research Topic seeks to address the urgent need for a deeper understanding of adolescence in the context of autism. The current dearth of research into this critical developmental stage limits our ability to design effective interventions, support systems, and treatments that meet the evolving needs of autistic adolescents. This Research Topic aims to facilitate a paradigm shift in autism research by promoting participatory approaches that directly involve autistic adolescents. Recent advances suggest that incorporating the perspectives of autistic individuals can provide new insights into their lived experiences, including topics such as intellectual disability, LGBTQIA+ identities, puberty and menstrual health, and mental health challenges like anxiety and suicidality. By highlighting the importance of adolescence, we seek to build a foundation for improved educational and clinical practices that foster independence, resilience, and self-efficacy among autistic youth.

We invite contributions that focus on the multifaceted aspects of adolescence in autism. Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

● Cognitive, social, and emotional development during adolescence in autism

● Participatory research methods, or other innovative methods that center or involve autistic adolescent voices

● Youth self-advocacy

● Intersectional identities and the experiences of autistic adolescents, including those with racial/ethnic minority backgrounds, intellectual disability, LGBTQIA+ identities, and co-occurring mental and physical health conditions.

● Experiences of stigma, discrimination, and minority stress in autistic adolescents

● Autistic identity development during adolescence

● The impact and experiences of puberty, menstrual health, and/or sexual health among autistic youth

● Transitioning into adulthood, including educational, healthcare, and vocational challenges and experiences

● School experiences

● Novel interventions and support systems designed to address the unique needs of autistic adolescents

● Family systems and/or family relationships in the context of autistic adolescence

● Peer and/or romantic relationships and friendships

● Bullying and cyberbullying

● Substance and alcohol use in autistic adolescents

● Use and impact of technology and social media in autistic adolescents


We welcome a variety of manuscript types, including original research, reviews, theoretical papers, methodological papers, perspective articles, community case study, and case studies that advance understanding of adolescent development in autism. In addition, we encourage submissions from early career researchers.

Keywords: Transition, Autism, Adolescence, Development, Participatory Research

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.