FASD and Early Adolescence (13-17 years)
The 2 main goals for parents during this stage are:
1.to prepare the young person to associate , identify and become a part of his community
2. to begin separation from parents
Guidelines for Parents
- expect “normal” teen behaviour – clothes, hair style, music, etc (choose your battles wisely)
- expect your teen to resist your “help” or “advice” (it’s normal)
- teens frequently become socially isolated – rejected by peer group
- your teen may gravitate to a negative peer group that encourages high risk behaviour
- your child will still require extensive learning assistance
- he / she may begin to realize the extent of their limitations
– unable to babysit
– unable to pass driver’s test
– can’t keep up with peers
7. he / she may begin to actually grieve at his own sense of loss and the permanence of the disabilities
8. parents must move towards “letting go” – summer camp may be a good start
9. problems within the marriage sometimes surface at this point