Axis’ Amanda Malak, Psy.D, Pens Article on Unmasking Undiagnosed Autism in Teens

There’s no denying the major surge in mental health diagnoses among teenagers today – but these are not always the correct diagnoses. In the latest Scottsdale Progress and Ahwatukee Foothills News issues, Axis for Autism clinical psychologist Dr. Amanda Malak wrote an article explaining that teens’ lack of responsiveness to depression, anxiety or ADHD medication may be due to a misdiagnosis – and in reality they might have autism. 

She shared expert insights for “navigating the maze” of undiagnosed autism. Without a proper autism diagnosis, teens can’t receive the targeted care they need and may react poorly to medications prescribed to treat other diagnoses, worsening their current struggles.  

Dr. Malak also outlined a list of behaviors or challenges that are common behaviors in autism: 

• Deficits in social communication and interaction 

• Stereotyped behaviors 

• Rigidity 

• Highly restricted interests 

• Sensory sensitivity 

• Common co-occurrence with gender identity exploration 

Navigating the challenges of being a teen is challenging in itself, which makes receiving the right diagnosis crucial for autistic teens so they can get the support they need. Axis for Autism provides Arizona children, adolescents and adults with the highest-quality autism evaluations. The company has built Arizona’s largest diagnostic system with a deep bench of doctorate-level psychologists like Dr. Malak, allowing them to serve hundreds of patients a month. If you believe your teen may be autistic, schedule an evaluation. 

Read the full article in Scottsdale Progress or Ahwatukee Foothills News.