Child/Adolescent Issues

Where can I go for tips about talking with my teen about drug use?

I understand that a lot of kids and teens use drugs these days. I am concerned that my teen might be turning to illegal drugs or alcohol. Where can I go for tips about talking with my teen about drug use? Also, where could I find out how his or her medications might interact with other substances?

There are a number of places where you can go and people you can talk to for advice, including your child's school counselor, your local hospital outreach program, your local YMCA, or your church or synagogue. To find out about how his or her medications might interact with other substances, you can talk with your doctor, or other knowledgeable professionals, including your local pharmacist, pharmaceutical companies, or reputable mental health care organizations (such as NAMI or NMHA).

The following are a list of websites that could be helpful:

Where can I find details of private treatment facilities?

My child was released from the hospital but we are struggling with having him or her at home, and I am starting to consider placement in a private facility. Where can I go to learn about programs that might help us?

Both NAMI and Regional Center are excellent resources to help you. Also try Healthy City at www.healthycity.org. The Southern California Rainbow Resources Guide, which is available at the Nathanson Center, will also be an excellent resource for you. Finally, for addition recommendations, talk with the case manager or social worker who worked with your family while your child was in the hospital.

Should I force my child to visit a sibling in hospital?

My other child finds it upsetting to visit his or her sibling in the hospital. Should I force a child to come to such an intimidating place?

It is not a good idea to force your child to come to the hospital. However, it is helpful to encourage your child to talk about his or her fears. You may also want to consult books and other resources on ways to talk with your child about mental illness.

How can you explain mental illness to a child?

I have a difficult time explaining mental illness to a child. Do you have resource recommendations?

There are a number of excellent books regarding this subject, specific to both the type of mental illness and the age of the child. The Reading Room in the Nathanson Center has a large collection of books and educational materials on this topic. Some of these books include:

  • A Family Affair: Helping Families Cope with Mental Illness by Abigail Van Buren
  • When Madness Comes Home by Victoria Secunda
  • When Someone You Love has a Mental Illness by Rebecca Woolis

Is there any truth to the idea that diet can influence the severity of autistic symptoms?

Some researchers have reported that a gluten-free and casein-free diet may reduce the severity of autistic traits; however, addition studies are still needed to provide conclusive evidence. Please talk with your doctor regarding recommendations for your child.

Where can I learn more about the causes of autism?

I have heard a lot of different explanations of what causes autism. Where can I go to learn more about this subject?

Also browse the content on this site tagged with 'Autism'

 

Are there resources that can help me be an effective parent?

I'm concerned because I feel that my special needs child is taking up so much of my time and attention that sometimes his or her sibling(s) feel left out. Are there resources that can help me be an effective parent even though I am stressed?

There are a variety of organizations that offer support groups and classes for parents and family members of special needs children. Two excellent resources are NAMI and Regional Center. You may a lso want to take advantage of respite care to allow you to take a break from your caregiving role and let you spend some time with your other family members.

Here at the Nathanson Family Resource Center, we have a number of books related to this issue including:

  • A Family Affair: Helping Families Cope with Mental Illness by Abigail Van Buren
  • When Madness Comes Home by Victoria Secunda.

Also, there are some sites online that may help:

Where can I find out about obtaining additional social skills training for my child?

My child has such a difficult time making friends. Where can I find out about obtaining additional social skills training for him or her?

Regional Centers offer social and recreational programs which can develop social interaction and leisure skills, as well as increase your child's community involvement. Contact your local Regional Center for more information.

UCLA also offers Social Skills and intervention programs for teenagers and young adults