The teenage years are a time of increased social pressures for all kids, and teens with Asperger's disorder can find these times to be particularly challenging. Teens are now more likely to have a real need for social relationships with other same age peers. Finding a way to "fit in" may be harder than ever for a teen with Asperger's. These kids have trouble reading nonverbal social cues, and this can be a problem. Since nonverbal communication makes up around 70% of overall communication, a lack of understanding in this area can create quite a gap in social skills. While many teens with Asperger's disorder really want to make friends and be accepted, they have a limited ability to discern what needs to be done in order to achieve social acceptance. While many have learned some age appropriate social skills, many are completely overwhelmed with the increased importance of peer acceptance at this age.
Social isolation is common with teens that have Asperger's disorder. Many of these teens exhibit odd behaviors, clumsiness, lack of good hygiene, indifference to clothing trends, lack of eye contact, as well as other behaviors that inhibit social acceptance from peers. They may want to make friends, but be too nervous to initiate social contact.
