The possibility of true abstract thought comes in around age
15, give or take a year.
Simulated abstract thought sometimes
happens with younger youth – they know the mechanics of sounding
abstract without understanding the concepts internally.
For youth under 9th grade abstraction, sequence,
cause and effect are mostly just defined concepts and not truly
integrated in their thinking. By 9th grade some will
“stumble upon” abstraction and enjoy the process, but don't be
surprised if in the next discussion they are a slab of concrete.
Be aware that younger youth have often been taught
psychological and other language that is not age appropriate and
they can recite it back so that it seems like they understand, but
don't.
Lessons and discussions for younger youth need to be concrete
and fact oriented, with little expectation of depth of thought.
Middle adolescents and above, enjoy abstract conversations and
lessons.
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