Where Unique
Minds are Celebrated,
and Growth Feels Like Home

Teens with autism often face co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD. Social expectations, sensory sensitivities, and academic pressures can amplify these struggles. At Ascend, we recognize the challenges of autism and mental health and work to provide an environment where teens can thrive just as they are, while building skills to navigate their unique neurodivergent experience.

Many teens have co-occurring ADHD and autism, which can create unique challenges. ADHD may intensify autism-related sensory sensitivities, while autism characteristics can make ADHD symptoms more complex. Our specialized approach addresses both conditions simultaneously, recognizing how they interact and building on the teen’s individual strengths and interests.

Autism and mental health are deeply connected, with teens on the spectrum facing unique challenges that can lead to heightened stress. Difficulties with social communication, sensory overload, and academic pressures can trigger anxiety or depression. While we don’t treat autism as a primary diagnosis, we recognize that addressing autism alongside co-occurring mental health conditions requires specialized approaches that honor neurodivergent communication styles and sensory needs.

When autism is a secondary diagnosis, it means that while autism is present, the primary concern may be anxiety, depression, or ADHD. At Ascend, we take a dual approach, creating personalized treatment plans that address both the autism characteristics and the co-occurring mental health condition for a more holistic recovery experience that recognizes how these conditions interact.

Neurodivergent teens require specialized approaches that honor their unique brain wiring while building skills. Treatment focuses on leveraging their strengths, accommodating sensory and executive functioning differences, using visual and concrete learning methods, and helping families understand neurodivergent communication and behavior patterns rather than trying to make teens “act neurotypical.” We work with ABA-trained professionals who understand how to meet the needs of teens with autism while addressing co-occurring mental health conditions.

Most neurodivergent teens in our specialized programs engage in treatment for 60-120 days, as building new executive functioning skills and self-regulation strategies takes time. The process extends beyond residential care through our comprehensive family support and alumni programming, as neurodivergent teens benefit from ongoing skill-building and family understanding.

Family involvement is crucial because neurodivergent teens thrive with understanding and consistent support. Our extensive family programming helps parents learn about neurodivergence, develop effective communication strategies, create supportive home environments, and advocate for their teen’s needs in school and community settings.

 Absolutely. Our goal is to help neurodivergent teens develop the executive functioning skills, self-awareness, and support systems they need to thrive as adults. Many neurodivergent individuals lead successful, independent lives when they receive appropriate support and learn to leverage their unique strengths while managing their challenges.