Supporting Autistic Teens in Hong Kong: Emotional and Sensory Strategies

For autistic teens, managing emotions is often a complex challenge. In Asia, where cultural norms and societal expectations shape family life and academic excellence is revered, these challenges require unique, culturally relevant solutions. We’ve talked to a few experts to get their views and advice on how to manage various challenges autistic teens in Hong Kong may face.

Unique Challenges for Autistic Teens in Hong Kong and Asia

Navigating Societal Expectations

Hong Kong, ultimately, is a collectivist society; a child and his or her behavior may represent a family, and this puts pressure on the child to behave and be compliant. Laurena Chen, a Hong Kong-based occupational therapist, explains that culturally, our society is all about conformity and compliance. To help manage society’s expectations, she expresses the need for more exposure to neurodiversity in the city.

Wendy Tsang, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and clinical supervisor at Encompass Academy, agrees. “Culturally, people are not very forgiving of someone being different.” She suggests that the first step is awareness—whether the autistic person is aware of others’ expectations of him or her (emphasizing the importance of early intervention to increase a child’s awareness of social norms). Ultimately, society should aim to be more inclusive by educating the public about neurodiversity, which will help adjust societal expectations over time.

Breaking the Stigma: Empowering Parents of Autistic Teens in Asia

The stigma is shifting as we increase awareness of autism. Parents need to be the advocates until the children can advocate for themselves. Laurena suggests that parents learn as much as they can to advocate for and support their child; for example, take courses on what to expect during the teen years with ASD, including puberty, hormonal changes (likely affecting mood, aggression, and anxiety), and to be prepared for your autistic teen to potentially require medication to help with emotional regulation.

Laurena is also concerned about safety—ensuring we keep others and the child safe as they are getting bigger, stronger, and hormonal:

Parental knowledge and understanding are key in supporting their teen during this time.

Wendy suggests that we teach ASD teens coping strategies for inevitable situations, learning steps they can take to be socially sensible and ensuring they know they still deserve respect and dignity. Teach your teen what respect looks like. Sadly, bullying is very common, and some autistic teens have no idea how to protect themselves and may not even know to share that this is happening, let alone how to address it.

Helping Autistic Teens Overcome Sensory Challenges in Crowded Hong Kong

Hong Kong is notoriously crowded. Wendy uses ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) to help desensitize someone to specific situations to slowly increase tolerance, such as riding the MTR. However she insists that anyone who is struggling to stay regulated should exit safely asap for his or her own well-being if possible. Forcing autistic kids to fit into society and not allowing them to express their own needs and wants can lead to to depression and increased risk of suicide. 

Laurena suggests first to be aware of where and when it is dense and crowded. She also recommends regular exposure and systematic desensitization be done only if: the parent does not have sensory sensitivities, can start when the child is young, and can ultimately avoid major meltdowns. 

Specific tips for managing sensory challenges in crowded spaces:

• Use noise-canceling headphones.
• Wear lightly-tinted sunglasses (if sensitive to light).
• Wear a hoodie.
• Consider wearing a vest for regulation (carry items in pockets of the vest for added weight).
• Avoid travel during rush hour.
• Have a fidget of their choice; holding something in their hands (like a phone) can keep them grounded.
• Use chewing gum or suck on sugar-free candies/mints (activates the proprioceptive system, which helps trigger calming feelings).
• On the MTR, stand in a corner or a space where there is something against their backs (to help promote a feeling of safety).
• Advocate for themselves and ask riders to move if possible.

Managing Academic Pressure for Autistic Teens in Hong Kong

Parent education and changing parent expectations are crucial to help ASD teens manage academic pressure. Wendy and Laurena both emphasize the importance of being realistic in the academic expectations for your child.

Ensuring co-regulation is important. Laurena shares that a parent must manage their own expectations or advocate and speak to the school to adjust the academic expectations. “If the parent is not regulated or grounded in the moment, it is very challenging to help your child regulate.”

Wendy insists that the child needs to know how and when to ask for help and that it is okay to make mistakes and corrections. A child’s attitude and personality will affect their level of stress related to schoolwork, and behaviors may become oppositional (for example, refusing to do homework), which can lead to problem behaviors like aggression.

Hong Kong schooling options are limited for neurodiverse kids, and especially in local schools, students are sometimes removed as academic rigor and demands increase. Advocacy, accommodations, and open communication are vital for academic success for ASD teens.

Culturally Relevant Emotional Regulation Strategies for Autistic Teens in Asia

Exercise equals teenage emotional regulation! Ideally, by their teenage years, ASD kids have found types of exercise or sports to engage in regularly. If not, keep exploring! Keep in mind it does not need to be a “sport” to be exercise. Laurena shares that parents may label their ASD kids as lazy, assuming they don’t care or just aren’t trying hard enough; she asks parents to be more mindful to avoid labeling the child.

Thriving Together: Supporting Autistic Teens in Hong Kong and Asia

Parenting an autistic teen in Hong Kong or Asia comes with unique challenges. However, with the right strategies, support, and awareness, families can help their children thrive. Optism is here to empower parents and advocate for greater awareness of neurodiversity in our communities. Explore our resources and join us in building a more inclusive future.