Dear Counsellor: I am having serious concerns about my 14-year-old son. He is in third form at a high school in Kingston, and I have been having grief with him since primary school.
He skips classes constantly and rarely does any work. When he does work, it is way below his grade standard. I do not know what else to do, as I have had him counselled through the school's guidance counsellor and nothing has changed. In addition, both his father and I suspect that he may be smoking ganja or is on something else.
We have given him everything that he needs. He has a loving family, with a brother who adores him. He has a computer in his room, plus a television set. I have run out of ideas, and am in desperate need of help.
Mother
Dear Mother:
I must agree with you that your boy is in need of serious help. However, I think you may be going about it the wrong way. Your son seems to have the classic symptoms of one who is performing way below his grade level, and does not know how to catch up with the others. This usually causes them to feel frustrated, and tend to give up on themselves, and even life.
Usually when there is a learning disability, the student tries to avoid the class so as not to be embarrassed by the teachers and friends. They also tend to get involved in substance abuse in order to try and cope.
Finding out if he is on ganja or any other illegal substance is easy. Take him to a medical laboratory, and have him tested for substance abuse. You can receive the results in a week. Might I suggest that you visit Oxford Medical Centre. I would also suggest that you take him to the Mico care Center and have him tested. The psychologist there will perform a number of diagnostic tests and measurements in order to determine whether your son has a learning disability. In addition, they will provide both your son and yourself with counselling.
Do not lose hope, there are hundreds of others who have had your experience and have survived with great results. Do not give up on him, continue to show him love and give him attention.
All the Best.
Counsellor
