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How Teens May Struggle with Adoption Issues

Ozark Trails Academy, in Willow Springs, MO is a place where troubled teens find hope, healing, and purpose. If your young teen struggles with adoption issues, please give us a call. (417) 278-6868

Parents of teenagers often face challenges connecting with their children during the adolescent years. And parents of adopted children especially need to be aware of additional factors that influence the teen’s development. Whether parents adopted the child as a newborn, or after the child moved from foster home to foster home, adoption experiences can interfere with a teen’s normal development.

 “Adolescence is a time of significant brain development, as well as social and emotional development in the formation of identity and independence—both of which may be affected by adoption and/or early childhood trauma.” 1

“Teenagers experience gradual changes in the section of the brain (prefrontal cortex) that manages their abilities to reason, control impulses, limit inappropriate behaviors, and make good judgments. This development is not complete until the mid-twenties. In addition, the parts of the brain that involve critical thinking, understanding social cues, and empathizing with others (relating to other people’s perspectives and showing compassion) are also developing.” 1 

“Chemical changes in the teenage brain (shifting levels of dopamine) encourage youth to seek risks and new challenges. This occurs at a time when the youth’s brain is less effective at thinking through consequences and controlling impulses. As such, teens need guidance from adults, opportunities for healthy risk-taking activities, and chances to learn from experience” 1

Parents of an adopted child may not recognize the difference between their natural born teen, and an adopted teen’s mental development. Because a teen’s brain changes quickly, and all teens struggle to find personal identity and independence during this period of life, parents may also struggle to know what’s normal, and what’s not.

Adopted children that experienced previous neglect or abuse often need extra time and practice grow into independence, and learn life skills for success in the future. 

Depression, anxiety, or relationship problems might indicate a response to trauma experienced before adoption, while in the care of their natural parents, or in foster care. Research tells us that the brain can be “rewired” and that ongoing relationships with supportive, caring adults can be powerful forces in helping the brain readjust (Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative, 2011). 1

But if your adopted teen experiences extreme moods or emotions, or depression, anger, anxiety, or withdraws from relationships with family, friends or peers, he or she may need professional help. 

As parents of an adopted teen search for counselors or out-patient treatment options nearby, they may also look into therapeutic boarding school programs that understand and know how to treat adoption and trauma-related issues in teens. And it’s important to find the best help for your troubled teen now, and start the healing process as their brain continues to develop.

Ozark Trails Helps Troubled Teens Heal and Grow

Ozark Trails Academy wants to help your family find healing and restoration, especially as your adopted teen struggles with mind-altering problems. Please give us a call today to find out more about our experienced team of therapists, counselors, teachers and staff who know how to help adopted teens become the person God created them to be. Call (417) 278-6868 now. 

We look forward to speaking with you!

Sources:

  1. https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/parent_teenager.pdf

We can also help you in your search for military schools for troubled youth, military academies, troubled teens boarding schools, girls therapeutic boarding schools, therapeutic residential schools or girls homes near me. Ozark Trails Academy is a residential treatment program providing outstanding clinical therapy for troubled teenagers.With several licensed therapists, wilderness therapy, equine therapy, and adventure therapy for teen girls and boys, ages 13-19. Our therapeutic boarding school teaches teens ways to avoid destructive behavior. We are a therapeutic boarding school serving troubled teens. We help at-risk teenagers, teens with anger issues, teens with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), teens with reactive attachment disorders, teens with attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This therapeutic boarding school for youth provides troubled teens with teen counseling, including addiction treatment and behavioral therapy.

How Teens May Struggle with Adoption Issues

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