Over 1.3 million young people between the ages of 16-20 in the U.S. have a disability, statistics from the Office of Population Affairs reveal. Teenage development poses challenges for all teens and their families, but especially for those with disabilities of any kind. As your teen gets older, they may feel the need to make friends, develop a stronger individual identity, and be independent. Fortunately, there are a number of ways parents can support their teens with disabilities through these transformative years.
Building confidence and social skills
Making friends and socializing can be a challenge for adolescents with impaired language and nonverbal communication skills. Joining a social skills group specifically for children or teens with disabilities is a great opportunity for your child to boost confidence, improve their conversational abilities, and make friends with teens experiencing similar challenges. Additionally, looking at cerebral palsy resources, for example, can help you find out about exciting activities and opportunities tailored to your teen's special needs. Some organizations offer camping and recreational services or sports training and competition for teens with disabilities.
Coping with hormonal changes
Puberty causes numerous physical, emotional, and psychological changes in teenagers. The specific challenges your child will experience depends on the nature of their disability. Boys primarily experience sexual changes, which can be overwhelming and confusing. Girls begin their menstrual cycle and can struggle with discomfort and hygiene. It's important to explain to your child the natural hormonal changes happening in their body - use educational picture books and language appropriate for their developmental stage. However, some children simply may not have the ability to understand and that's okay. Consulting your pediatrician or specialist can ensure the close monitoring of any problem or issue that's caused by puberty.
Further education opportunities
Only 40% of working-age adults with disabilities are employed. However, a number of further education opportunities exist to help teens with disabilities prepare for a future in the workplace. If college is an option, your child can receive tailored support from the school's student counseling center, as well as from professors who can make appropriate accommodations.
Alternatively, non-traditional post-secondary programs have been specifically created for people with developmental disabilities. They help young adults develop essential skills for work, life, and general independence, as well as provide a rounded college experience, which includes the social side. If your child is unsure of the path they want to take, a volunteer or intern position can help them build confidence and identify their strengths and interests. Your teen can greatly benefit from this work experience, which helps them prepare for traditional employment.
The teenage years can be a challenging time for adolescents with disabilities. They may start to feel self-conscious about physical or learning impairments, their appearance, or certain medical conditions. As a parent, you can play an important role in helping your teen build confidence and social skills, cope with hormonal changes, and prepare for a happy future.
