When is a Neurodivergent Test Necessary for Teens?

About 10.5% of U.S. teens (around 6 million) have an active diagnosis of ADHD, autism, or another learning disability, and other estimates suggest roughly 20% of children and young people could be neurodivergent in some form [1].​

Recognizing the signs of neurodivergence can help you understand when an evaluation for your teen is necessary and to connect them with therapeutic support to improve their quality of life. 

Remember, the earlier the intervention, the better the outcome!  

What Is Neurodivergence? 

Neurodivergence is a term that originated in the autism community to describe the unique neurological differences in brain structure and functioning. Neurodivergence recognizes that some people learn, communicate, and process the world differently than “neurotypical” individuals (those whose brain functions align with what's typically expected in their culture or society). 

Neurodivergent teens report more negative experiences at school, such as misunderstandings with teachers, exclusion, and bullying. Non-supportive home environments can increase stress, lead to meltdowns, or increase the risk of developing a co-occurring mental health problem such as depression or anxiety.  

Some common conditions that teens who identify as neurodivergent have include: 

• ADHD: Affects around 8% of teens 
• Autism: Affects approximately 2.9% of teens and children 
• Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia (learning disabilities): Affects up to 12% of kids 
• Sensory Processing Disorder: 5% to 16% of children and teens show symptoms 
• Tourette's Syndrome: Around 0.5% to 1% of teens 
• Williams Syndrome: Only about 1 in 7,500 births 

Signs and Symptoms of Neurodivergence

Neurodivergent disorders impact several areas of functioning, including communication, sensory processing, and executive functioning. 

Delays in Communication 

• Limited speech or totally nonverbal 
• Unusual or fluctuating tone of voice or repetitive speech patterns 
• Difficulty engaging in quick back-and-forth conversations or group discussions  

Social Interactions 

• Trouble making eye contact 
• Difficulty understanding body language and tone of voice
• Increased anxiety in group settings 
• Little interest in interacting or playing with peers  

Sensitive to Sensory Stimulation 

• Over- or under-reaction to sensory stimuli (e.g., textures, tastes, sounds, smells, lights, physical touch or pressure)
• Aversions to certain foods, clothing, or may have a meltdown in noisy or crowded events 

Repetitive Behaviors or Special Interests 

• Engage in repetitive motions such as rocking back and forth, teeth grinding, hand flapping, and spinning 
• Intense focus on specific hobbies, interests, or activities (e.g, cars, Legos, dinosaurs, marine animals, sports statistics)    

Attention and Executive Functioning

• Trouble focusing or keeping up with tasks
• Problems with staying organized and time management 
• Impulsive behaviors or hyperactivity
• Rigid thinking or difficulties with problem-solving
• Struggle with lack of routine and transitioning between activities 
  

When Is A Neurodivergent Test Necessary? 

While all children and teens are different and may develop at varying speeds, there are specific situations or developmental milestones that may signal the need for a neurodivergent test. 

Ideally, the earlier the intervention, the better, and neurodivergent disorders can often be recognized long before adolescence through proper symptom recognition and professional screening. 

Early Childhood (Ages 0-4)

You may notice significant delays in reaching developmental milestones such as crawling, walking, eye contact, and talking. These are often telltale signs of a developmental disorder such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  

Toddlers may have consistent challenges in their early learning environments and struggle to socialize with other kids, preferring to play alone. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened for ASD at 18 to 24 months.

School Age (Ages 5-12)

Your child struggles greatly in school, such as following directions, staying in their seat, interrupting peers or the teacher, completing homework, and attending. 

Neurodivergent kids may enjoy school and try their best, but often require extra academic support. Conditions such as ADHD are often diagnosed during this developmental period due to social or behavioral concerns shown in the classroom.  

Teens (Ages 13-18)

Signs of neurodivergence often become more noticeable in adolescence as academic, social, and emotional demands increase. Ongoing challenges with social interactions, such as difficulty understanding social cues, maintaining conversations, or frequent social withdrawal, can be a sign. 

Academically, teens might have difficulty with organization, time management, completing complex tasks, or experience learning challenges that don’t match their intellectual abilities. It’s important to connect with a professional who specializes in neurodivergent disorders who can rule out other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma.  

The Benefits of Early Evaluation 

Early identification of neurodivergence can lead to more timely interventions, helping your teen thrive academically and socially [2]. 

• Connecting to Resources: Early diagnosis can connect you to specialized educational programs and workshops for parents, therapies, and community services or support groups.
  

• Personalized Strategies: Early diagnosis allows for tailored approaches that grow with your child based on their social and developmental needs.  
  

• Reduced Mental Health Risks: Early diagnosis can prevent or mitigate co-occurring issues like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem by providing timely support and reducing the emotional burden from undiagnosed challenges.​

• Improved Long-Term Independence: Early interventions build essential skills for adulthood, leading to better academic outcomes, career readiness, and overall quality of life. 

What To Expect in a Neurodivergent Assessment for Your Teen 

Most of the time, assessments include clinical interviews with the teen and their caregivers, behavioral observations, and standardized tests that look at things like social skills, communication, sensory processing, and executive functioning. Schools and other settings your teen spends time in may also be asked for information to get a complete picture of their strengths and weaknesses.

After the assessment, families get a full feedback session where they go over the results, possible diagnoses, and personalized suggestions. This includes individualized plans for school accommodations, therapy, medications when needed, and help with the teen's emotional health and daily life.

A Safe Space for Neurodivergent Teens in Florida  

At Lotus Behavioral Health, we understand the unique experiences of neurodivergent teens and the importance of compassionate, evidence-based care. 

Our residential treatment and structured outpatient programs in Florida provide a warm, supportive environment where teens can gain the tools they need to stabilize sensory processing challenges, emotional regulation, and behavioral issues. 

We specialize in treating ADHD and work closely with families to support a broad range of developmental differences, including autism spectrum disorder, through trusted partnerships with specialized providers when needed. Contact our admissions team today and find the support your teen deserves. 

‍

Sources 

[1] Ran, J. et al. (2022). Prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders among US children and adolescents in 2019 and 2020. Frontiers in psychology, 13, 997648.

‍

[2] Mbaezue, N. (2023). Early Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review and Analysis of the Risks and Benefits. Cureus, 15(8), e43226.

‍

[2] CHADD. 2024. General Prevalence of ADHD.

‍

[3] Zahorodny, W. et al. 2023. Prevalence and Characteristics of Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the New York-New Jersey Metropolitan Area. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 

‍

[4] Najam, N. et al. (2020). An epidemiological study of prevalence and comorbidity of non-clinical Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia symptoms in Public and Private Schools of Pakistan. Pakistan journal of medical sciences, 36(7), 1659–1663.

‍

[5] Turriziani, P. et al. (2022). Sensory Processing Disorders in Children and Adolescents: Taking Stock of Assessment and Novel Therapeutic Tools. Brain sciences, 12(11), 1478.

‍

[6] Stromme, P. et al. 2002. Prevalence Estimation of Williams Syndrome. Journal of Child Neurology. 

‍

[7] Xu, G. et al. (2024). Prevalence of Tourette syndrome among children and adolescents in the United States, 2016-2022. BMC Public Health, 24(1), 2699.

‍