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Puberty and Learning DisordersAdded Stress in What Can Already Be a Difficult Situation
The preteen and teenaged years can be a chaotic time for many families. Add a learning disorder and you have all sorts of new problems to face.
As bewildering a time as pubescence can be for most families, it can be far more so for those dealing with ADD, ADHD, Autism, Asperger’s, and other NLD’s. The child who is already struggling both academically and socially is now the victim of hormonally induced and almost uncontrollable emotional surges. For these individuals, the rages, rants and other tantrums that are often a part of this volatile age can strike not only without warning but can be incredibly devastating to a household already stretched emotionally thin from coping with a myriad of other pre-existing issues. Even an otherwise easy-going child who may have managed to navigate various societal and schooling hurdles so far is now sent reeling as new sensations assault them. This can be a difficult enough time for a normal youth, let alone for someone who is still learning how to relate to the world. For someone who is still learning the fundamentals of communication, this bewildering time can destroy any progress made so far. Find New Ways to Communicate and RelateInformative and sympathetic talks, which often only work to a limited degree for an average teen, may fall on completely ‘deaf’ ears with some special needs children. Most young people with learning disorders already have trouble understanding how to behave or how to listen effectively. What can a parent do when certain approaches that barely work for an average teen are completely ineffective with theirs? Family and individual counseling or other consultations with a medical professional, if not already a part of your routine, can help everyone navigate these tricky waters. Venting through therapy, no matter how much the child may suffer from a lack of communication skills, can still be effective for releasing pent-up frustrations. If talking things out is not an option, artistic endeavors like drawing, painting, sculpting or music may be a way to go. Each member, siblings included, should find some way to express at least a portion of how they’re feeling, releasing some of the pressures brought on by puberty’s turmoil. Try Physical Relaxation TechniquesWarm baths and showers can also be effective in calming a raging teen, no matter how severe their disorder. If parents are unable to convince their child to enter the bathroom, use a damp washcloth on neck and face. It is amazing how well such a simple technique works, as long as the child doesn't take too much exception at being touched in this way. Allowing other soothing activities, no matter how juvenile they might be – like watching a favorite cartoon or other video – might distract from a pending tantrum. When all else fails, consult your physician. In drastic cases hormone or other drug therapy may be recommended to help ease the violent tide that is pulsing through your child. Remember That You Are Not AloneTreatment regimens will be as unique as the individual and, just like a normal family, some of this is trial and error. Also keep in mind that what works at one point may not do so well on future occasions, again just like many other households around the world with ‘ordinary’ adolescents. So despite what can be a shock to already overwhelmed parents, this is actually a fairly normal stage of most children’s development, including yours. Allow yourself to take heart in the fact that in this area at least, your child is just like so many others – an unpredictable teenager.
The copyright of the article Puberty and Learning Disorders in Special Needs Parenting is owned by Kirsten Locke. Permission to republish Puberty and Learning Disorders in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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