Ian is now 14 years old and in the eighth grade at the local school. He is well-liked by his peers and always has a 'buddy' to help him get to class. In spite of all that he has been through, Ian has an incredible spirit about him, and other kids just like to be near him. At first, of course, it was a shock, and friends and family alike struggled to make sense of the situation. Now, Ian's wheelchair is just a part of him, and it's easy to forget that this is the boy with no legs.
After a rocky period right after the accident, Ian does well in school and loves history class. He thinks he wants to grow up to be a history teacher. There is something about the Civil War that fascinates him, and he is fond of making a joke to others that, "there wasn't nothing civil about that war" and immediate gets a kick out of himself.
Leila has dated some since the accident, but she just can't seem to put her heart into it. She's tried to give everything she had to the kids - particularly given Tyler's needs and Ian's. She sees herself as giving everything she has to her kids. She was in therapy for a short time but now focuses on keeping Ian and Tyler going to their regular appointments.
* Are there enrichment opportunities available for children like Ian? Summer camps? How affordable are such camps?
* What are the typical developmental milestones for a 14 year-old boy? Are there unique considerations regarding Ian's physical growth that have to be taken into account given his amputations?
* Are there mental health therapists who specialize in working with children like Ian? Are there any within Harrisonburg? Within 50 miles?
Luckily for Ian, there is a wealth of opportunities accessible for children like him. A great example of an enriching opportunity available to Ian is that of a Bereavement Camp. One such group is Comfort Zone Camp which has two locations in Virginia and offers summer sessions. Comfort Zone Camp’s mission is to provide a safe and healing atmosphere for children who have experienced the trauma of losing a loved one. The camp incorporates fun, healing and a sense of community to the children who need it most. By being immersed in a group of children who can completely relate to their experiences, the children will no longer feel alone in their struggles. They’ll realize that there is a network of help available to them. While there, the kids will engage in confidence-building exercises where their voice will be heard and their opinion matters. The children also engage in “healing circles” in which they can openly talk about their loved ones without feeling judged or out of place. By attending a bereavement camp, Ian will be equipped with tools to help him cope on the tough days he will inevitably have. Another great thing about Comfort Zone Camp is that there is no charge to attend! This is wonderful for families on a budget, like Ian’s, who probably couldn’t afford a costly summer camp.
ReplyDeleteSince Ian has entered the teenager realm, there are several changes happening physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. This is the age where individuals are acutely aware of their outward appearance and have a high level of concern of what peers think of them. This is a very relevant subject for Ian considering his amputation, and the negative effect that this could potentially have on his self-esteem. However, it seems as though Ian is a very confident individual and doesn’t pay too much attention to his limitation. By not preoccupying himself with his condition, others won’t notice it as much either. This is an extremely vulnerable age because of how easily individuals are influenced by their peers; at this age a lot of individuals engage in drug and alcohol abuse. It doesn’t seem as though Ian is feeling pressured in these was, but Leila should monitor his behavior to look for any sudden changes in mood or temperament. Also at this age, individuals make more of their own choices about what interests them. This is also the age at which individuals have more capacity to engage in complex thought. It seems as though Ian is very interested in history and is excelling academically in general.
ReplyDeleteThere is also a plethora of mental health therapists who specialize in working with children like Ian. One option in Harrisonburg is right at Rockingham Memorial Hospital. RMH Behavioral Health utilizes a comprehensive and multi-treatment method to ensure the best treatment for the patient. They work with individuals who have difficulty coping with stress or depression, and aim towards treating the body and healing the mind. Another therapy option is provided through Children’s Services of Virginia: Crossroads Counseling Centers. This is a very established center which has several locations throughout Virginia, including Harrisonburg. They offer outpatient and inpatient services, and perform psychological evaluations as well. They specialize in helping school-aged children who may have emotional or behavioral difficulties that could impact their learning. This could be particularly helpful for Ian, considering that he went through a rough patch in school. CCC also offers “Parent Mentoring” where they will equip parents with skills to better parent their child and create a healthier family. This could be a useful skill for Leila in parenting Ian and Tyler. These are two excellent options in very close proximity that Leila could consider to improve the overall health of her family.
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