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

1. expect “normal” teen behaviour – clothes, hair style, music, etc (choose your battles wisely)
2. expect your teen to resist your “help” or “advice” (it’s normal)
3. teens frequently become socially isolated – rejected by peer group
4. your teen may gravitate to a negative peer group that encourages high risk behaviour
5. your child will still require extensive learning assistance
6. 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

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