I have Asperger's and I'm having a hard time with puberty. Does Asperger's make puberty more difficult?
- Justin*

It can. Going through puberty brings on physical and emotional changes for all teens. These can be even harder to deal with for people with Asperger syndrome. Learning about puberty can help make it less of a mystery. So ask your parents, teachers, school nurse, counselor, or doctor about what to expect during puberty. That way you can be prepared.

Social situations change a lot during our teens. It can be hard for people with Asperger's to adapt to new social environments or situations. For people who already have trouble picking up on social cues, that can bring extra anxiety about fitting in. With therapy, you can learn how to communicate and interact better in these new situations.

Sometimes people with Asperger's can also develop other conditions, like depression or attention problems. Again, it's good to ask your doc about this, especially if you start noticing you can't focus as well or you're having signs of depression.

The bottom line is that puberty can be hard for everyone, whether they have a health condition or not. It's likely that lots of your classmates and friends feel awkward or worried at times. You're not alone, and your counselor or doctor can help you. That's what they're there for!

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: July 2010

*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.