The teenage years are an enigma for most parents. What parent hasn’t been “tuned out” by their teens? But, when do those poor listening skills indicate something more serious? According to the Canadian Centre for ADHD Awareness, ADHD remains the most prevalent childhood disorder in Canada. Yet, it is the most under-diagnosed but treatable psychiatric…
If your son displays ADHD symptoms, you’ve probably heard his behaviour classified as lazy, unruly, or disrespectful. Sometimes, you may wonder why he behaves the way he does. For example, how can he spend hours playing video games but can’t spend fifteen minutes on homework? It is important to recognize that ADHD is a neuro-developmental…
Counselling may involve a range of treatments that are designed to help teens resolve problems and modify behaviour. The goal is to make positive changes in how teens identify, process and respond to life experiences. At Venture Academy, we offer a range of approaches to ensure the best treatment for your teen. Because understanding each…
No one knows precisely what addictive quality there is in gaming. However, some theories suggest that completing a game releases dopamine that improves mood and provides an energy rush. It is the same neurotransmitter that occurs in other addictive behaviours. If your teen has an obsessive preoccupation with gaming, you may have reason to be…
Dyslexia is a learning disorder that interferes with a child’s ability to process letters, words, and symbols. It is often referred to as a reading disability, but dyslexia affects the area of the brain that processes both written and verbal language. Dyslexia typically appears in children, although it may not be diagnosed until years later.…
As a parent, your main objective is to raise healthy, happy, and well-rounded children. Therefore, when your teen begins to display bothersome or unusual behaviour, it is only natural to want to do everything you can to help them. Fortunately, Venture Academy has been helping teens and families deal with and recover from drug and…
When you notice bothersome changes in your teen, it can be confusing and overwhelming for many parents. It’s only natural to want to protect and help your teenager. However, many families do not know where to begin seeking appropriate help. What are the signs of a teen behaviour issue and what should you look for…
When teens struggle with drug or alcohol abuse, it’s rarely a standalone issue. Often, young people and adolescents are dealing with other underlying mental health issues or behavioural issues. More commonly, substance abuse goes along with behavioural problems like anger, lying, poor academic performance, or violence. Treating substance abuse alone is not recommended for a…
Self-harm and teens has become an increasingly prevalent symptom of emotional distress. Self-harm refers to a behaviour whereby a person intentionally injures their body. Most parents do not understand the relation between self-harm and teens. This is because some think it is one of the ways teens seek attention. However, it is crucial to understand…
More and more kids are being bullied in their own homes under their parent’s very noses. It’s called cyberbullying and it’s a troublesome trend involving the use of cell phones, Facebook, and other social networking sites that allow teens to connect and bully others. Cyberbullying teens abuse their peers and those teens who are cyberbullied…