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Hoots : How do I help a person i know grow up? Someone I know who is 16 but can’t read or write properly and is failing in school. Appears to have difficulty making conversations. Exhibit child-like characteristics; cries when - freshhoot.com

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How do I help a person i know grow up?
Someone I know who is 16 but can’t read or write properly and is failing in school. Appears to have difficulty making conversations. Exhibit child-like characteristics; cries when being yelled at or not given what they asked for.

They Don't have any friends, spends their majority of time watching cartoons and playing games. their overall behavior is as if they are 10 - 12.

It doesn't look like they have a mental issue or development problems as far as I can see. What can I do to help them get out of this situation and grow up to fit his age?

I tried giving them some interests and tasks to do to change their routine, but they only care for a while and go back to their usual behaviors.


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From your description, this person should receive some professional care sooner rather than later!

However, that is up to their parents, not you. The best you can probably do is to convince their parents to seek help for his learning problems. Try to convince them it could make life better for all three of them.

You won't get a diagnosis from a site like this, but being unable to read and acting like a 8-10 year old at 16 sounds very much like they have some developmental impairment. The younger therapy starts with that, the more chances of them learning at least how to function better.

The person's parents seem to be in denial over this or simply completely unaware that there is more going on than their child being stupid or lazy. Talking to their parents in a non-judgemental way is the only way to find out. Remember that they are likely under immense stress from dealing with their child all day, so don't be too harsh on their anger and frustration. Ask them about their own experience and feeling and see if they are open to getting help.

Depending on where you live, you have a last resort of calling the local variety of Child Protective Services. This is really a nuclear option though and may destroy any trust the parents have in you.


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This sounds like it requires a multidimensional approach, across various disciplines. This boys parents should also work with a Parenting Coach and Educator along with the school, special instruction/education, Speech Language Pathology, and reading specialist. I find it strange that this boy is 16 and didn't receive any services. With such characteristics the question is who was neglectful, not if. This case requires a major Intervention, and time is of the essence because by the time this boy is 18, his challenges are his problem and his alone.


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