Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects focus, concentration, and impulsivity. Some traits of ADHD can make everyday life challenging for young people: they may find it difficult to complete tasks or be prone to risky behaviours.
Teenagers, adolescents, and other young people are especially vulnerable to mental health issues. Adolescence is a time of change, identity searching, and mental and physical development. Young people’s mental health during their teenage years can also affect their psychological well-being later on in life, as they move into adulthood. Protecting the mental health of young people is fundamental.
Eating disorders usually begin during adolescence, often at the start of a young person’s teenage years. However, in some cases, eating disorders can begin earlier in children as young as 8, 9 or 10. Known as early-onset eating disorders, young children’s eating problems are often similar to those experienced by older adolescents, underpinned by concerns about shape and weight and attempts to cope with difficult emotions.
Young adulthood is also a time of self-discovery. During their adolescent years, young people often explore questions of identity, such as gender identity, religion, culture, and sexuality. Young people start to build a picture of who they are, where they come from, what they want, and where they are heading.
Moving on to further education can feel exciting, but it can also be very different from their school years. Young people may experience a range of emotions, including nervousness, excitement, and worry.
Childhood trauma can have a big impact on the emotional and social development of a young person. During childhood, young people are growing both psychologically and biologically. When distressing events happen in this time, the consequences can be far-reaching, staying with a young person into their adult life.
It’s normal for young people to experience some mood and behavioural changes in winter and summer. Young people may cope with feelings of sadness during the colder, darker months, or find it harder to sleep in the summer.
Many people think that autistic children and adolescents aren’t interested in making friends or spending time with others. However, for a lot of young people in the autism community, this isn’t true. Autistic people often want to be close to others and seek companionship, but lack the social skills to make friendships a reality.
Some young people look forward to the summer holidays, waiting for the chance to take a break from work, spend time with friends, and enjoy fun activities. However, this isn’t the case for everyone. Many teenagers and adolescents struggle with a lack of routine and distance from their usual support systems while others have to navigate difficult environments at home.
Have any questions or want to get started with the admissions process? Contact our friendly care team – they’ll be happy to answer any questions or concerns you might have and will walk you through how to prepare for your child’s stay at The Wave.
