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Confused Parent of a 16-Year-Old with ADHD: Daughter Struggles in School, Social Situations, and Independence

Dr Shakeeb Ahmed Khan |132 Answers |Ask -Follow

Physiotherapist - Answered on Aug 02, 2024

Dr Shakeeb Ahmed Khan is a senior consultant physiotherapist with over 12 years of experience specialising in orthopaedic and paediatric physiotherapy.
He has served as a technical consultant for the World Health Organisation, the United Nations, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and several national and international NGOs.
Besides physiotherapy, he is keenly interested in disability management, early intervention, geriatric care and assisting children with disabilities.
Dr Khan has a bachelor's degree in physiotherapy from the Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College in Wardha, Maharashtra, a master's degree in disability rehabilitation administration from the National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped, Secunderabad, and a PhD in disability management from Bangalore University.... more

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 26, 2024Hindi

We are from TN. My Cousin aged 42 years and his wife aged 39 years. Their only daughter of age 16 years. Financially stable family. Got to know about their Daughter ADHD problems in school 1st standard. Had to changed to a special school and since then, have changed 3 schools. Currently in a normal school and studying in 6th standard( but should be in 11th standard now). She has attended puberty. Anyone new person meeting her finds in 5 minutes that she has some problems from her mannerism.... She is physically fit. Pls advise - if they need to relocate themselves in some metropolitan cities to get more guidance or to be associated with a group of such parents-kids...Will getting her admitted in a hostel will help ? Her parents only wish is - she should be independently doing here regular daily life needed work on her own without dependency on her parents.

Ans: It's understandable that your cousin's family is seeking the best environment for their daughter's development and independence. Professional support is essential, including occupational therapists to assist with daily living skills, special educators for tailored educational strategies, and psychologists for behavioral therapy and emotional support. Joining parent support groups can provide valuable insights and resources from other parents facing similar challenges. It's crucial to stay in a city or town with access to rehabilitation professionals, good healthcare, and educational support systems. They should also check for specialized programs or schools nearby catering to children with ADHD.

Focusing on developing her independence in daily tasks, such as personal hygiene, cooking, cleaning, and time management, is vital. Engaging in extracurricular activities like sports, arts, or hobbies can boost her confidence and social skills. While relocating to a metropolitan city may offer more resources, it's important to weigh the emotional and financial implications. A more practical approach might be to stay in their current location but ensure regular visits to professionals in a nearby city. A specialized boarding school might provide a structured environment that encourages independence, but this should be carefully evaluated to ensure it meets her specific needs and comfort. Ensuring her current school provides the necessary support and accommodations, such as individualized education plans (IEPs), is also crucial.

Utilizing apps and tools designed to help children with ADHD manage their routines, homework, and tasks can be beneficial. Additionally, parents can build their capacity by enrolling in professional courses related to ADHD and child development, enabling them to better support their daughter. With the right support, their daughter can develop the skills needed for greater independence. Building a network of professionals and support groups close to home can be just as effective as relocating to a metropolitan city. My best wishes

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