There are many questions about the difference between high functioning autism and Aspergers syndrome. We will give a brief overview of both in this post; for more information read the full articles on our site about Asperger Syndrome and Teen Autism. High functioning autism in part of the larger spectrum of disorders referred to simply as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) or Pervasive Development Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) disorders. There are a number of signs and symptoms of autism and varying degrees can be associated with the disorder, depending on the level of functionality the person experiences.
High functioning autism and Aspergers syndrome have many of the same underlying characteristics that exist in most forms of autism like: atypical social functions, maintaining eye contact, and a hard time understanding abstract concepts or an abstract meaning of a word or phrase. Both high functioning autism and Aspergers differ from more limiting forms of autism in which an individual may have problems learning, have problems with motor development, or other challenges with basic functions. One of the biggest differences between high functioning autism and Aspergers syndrome has to do with speech development as a toddler. Those individuals that develop(ed) speech normally as a child are thought to have Asperger syndrome while those that did not develop speech typically but otherwise developed normally - in regards to motor skills, cognitive learning, etc. - are classified as having high functioning autism.
High functioning autism is still not an official diagnosis, as far as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association, but Asperger syndrome is. However, it is currently being debated as to whether or not to remove Asperger syndrome as a separate diagnosis in the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders set to be published in May 2013. Some argue that there is not enough distinction in the symptoms and characteristics to warrant it as a separate diagnosis. Let's take a look at some similarities and differences between the two. Individuals with high functioning autism or Aspergers syndrome are typically of average or above-average intelligence. Those with Aspergers may be more likely to have a desire for social interaction and friends. But, both those with Aspergers and those with high functioning autism will likely have a very hard time developing social relationships because they do not recognize body language and other social cues that are a large part of being able to maintain this type of a relationship.
It seems as though there are still more questions than answers about the difference in high functioning autism and Aspergers syndrome, but the two main differences seem to be in the development of speech and in the individuals desire for friendship and social interaction. Whether or not this is really enough to consider them as separate disorders is still yet to be determined. If your child or a loved one has been diagnosed as having either high functioning autism or Aspergers syndrome, keep in mind that each person is different in how they are affected, the symptoms they will experience, and the type of help/assistance they will require. Most still attend a regular public school and do just fine. Also realize that you are not alone and that there are many families out there coping with the same fears and concerns as you are. The internet is a great source for finding stories of encouragement and help - from blogs to forums and more - you can choose whether to be involved in the ongoing discussions or to stay in the shadows and learn from others. You may even be able to find local groups in your area where you can meet with others to share stories, ideas, or even socialization for your children or teens with autism or Aspergers.
Sources
webmd.com
mayoclinic.com
wikipedia.org
Friday, March 9, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Autism in Teenagers and Autism Statistics 2012
You may have noticed a recent influx in the number of commercials about autism and autism statistics. Probably something about the odds of someone winning the Superbowl or winning the lottery and then ending with the odds of that same person having a child with autism. Autism statistics in 2012 show that as many as 1 in 110 in the United States is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), according to the CDC. These numbers are way up from just a few years ago when it was thought that about 1 in 500 had some form of autism. The question used to be: What is Autism? With all the media attention people are beginning to understand more about what autism is, but because it is a spectrum disorder and autism symptoms and the affect of the disorder vary greatly from one individual to another, understanding autism in teenagers, for example, can be difficult.
A common behavior one will often see in teen autism has to do with social ability and behavior. For many teens with autism, if it was diagnosed early on, they have had years of learn to recognize social cues and learn appropriate ways to display their own emotion, but this is not something that comes natural to them. Some mistakenly think that autistic teens don't feel emotion or understand emotion. This is not true, they simply display and understand emotion in a different way than someone that does not have autism. Because a teenager with autism behaves differently than other teens, bullying often becomes a problem for these teens. Sometimes this bullying becomes so severe that parents are forced to homeschool their autistic teen.
It is sometimes believe that autism is a type of mental retardation and that teens with autism all have learning disabilities, this is also not true. While autism in teenagers can include learning disabilities, most teens with autism are actually very intelligent. Because those with autism often have trouble communicating in the same way as others, people mistakenly think they are not intelligent. Don't underestimate the intelligence of a teen with autism, help find ways that will help the teen grow and progress in his/her studies by accommodating autism in teenagers with a proper learning environment. Autism statistics show that about 40% of those with ASD do not talk at all and between 30-50% has an intellectual disability.
When considering autism in teenagers, keep in mind that autism is very different in every individual. What helps with one autistic teen may be detrimental when working with another teen with autism. Usually the family can help the most in understanding how autism affects each individual. Whatever you do, be sensitive, and considerate. Do not allow bullying or other inappropriate behavior or treatment toward teens with autism. Whether you are a parent, teacher, or friend trying to understand autism in teenagers, some research can really help a lot in understanding some of the basics. There are also many blog resources, forums, and other websites that will allow you to connect with other parents and teachers who are closely associated with teens that have autism. Connecting with others can help give you support and a sense of community so that you don't feel like this is a battle that you are fighting all alone. Getting ideas from others can also help you find ways to deal with particular behaviors of situations that arise as a result of autism in teenagers.
Sources: cdc.gov
A common behavior one will often see in teen autism has to do with social ability and behavior. For many teens with autism, if it was diagnosed early on, they have had years of learn to recognize social cues and learn appropriate ways to display their own emotion, but this is not something that comes natural to them. Some mistakenly think that autistic teens don't feel emotion or understand emotion. This is not true, they simply display and understand emotion in a different way than someone that does not have autism. Because a teenager with autism behaves differently than other teens, bullying often becomes a problem for these teens. Sometimes this bullying becomes so severe that parents are forced to homeschool their autistic teen.
It is sometimes believe that autism is a type of mental retardation and that teens with autism all have learning disabilities, this is also not true. While autism in teenagers can include learning disabilities, most teens with autism are actually very intelligent. Because those with autism often have trouble communicating in the same way as others, people mistakenly think they are not intelligent. Don't underestimate the intelligence of a teen with autism, help find ways that will help the teen grow and progress in his/her studies by accommodating autism in teenagers with a proper learning environment. Autism statistics show that about 40% of those with ASD do not talk at all and between 30-50% has an intellectual disability.
When considering autism in teenagers, keep in mind that autism is very different in every individual. What helps with one autistic teen may be detrimental when working with another teen with autism. Usually the family can help the most in understanding how autism affects each individual. Whatever you do, be sensitive, and considerate. Do not allow bullying or other inappropriate behavior or treatment toward teens with autism. Whether you are a parent, teacher, or friend trying to understand autism in teenagers, some research can really help a lot in understanding some of the basics. There are also many blog resources, forums, and other websites that will allow you to connect with other parents and teachers who are closely associated with teens that have autism. Connecting with others can help give you support and a sense of community so that you don't feel like this is a battle that you are fighting all alone. Getting ideas from others can also help you find ways to deal with particular behaviors of situations that arise as a result of autism in teenagers.
Sources: cdc.gov
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Peer Pressure Statistics and Peer Pressure Facts
In this Peer Pressure Statistics and Peer Pressure Facts article we will take a look at how peer pressure statistics have changed over the past few years and what these peer pressure facts show about the behavior of teens. Peer pressure is generally thought of as the pressure that an individual feels to act in a certain way or make choices in an effort to "fit in" with a group of people, generally around the same age. This can range from music one listens to or brand of clothing one purchases, to underage drinking and use of illegal drugs.
Recent peer pressure statistics indicate that more and more teens are being pressured into using dangerous drugs on a daily basis. According to peer pressure statistics on the Adolescent Substance Abuse Knowledge Base website, in a 2006 study it was estimated that every day 2,500 teens chose to abuse some type of pain reliever for the first time. About 1/3 of those respondents reported that they felt pressured into at least trying them. These peer pressure facts are startling. 2, 500 teens daily for a year equals more than 900,000 teens every year that are trying a prescription drug for the first time.
Peer pressure can extend beyond friends to include family, school, and neighborhood associations. This is sometimes referred to as the influence of the "Social System". The influence from each of these social systems seems to have a significant impact on the choices of teens. For instance a teen that has peers that get involved in underage drinking, that also has diligent parents that pay close attention to the teen and the behaviors of the teen and the teen's peers, is less likely to choose to participate in the underage drinking. A teen that has peers that participate in underage drinking and parents that also abuse drugs or alcohol are much more likely to choose to join in the underage drinking with his/her peers.
Talking to your teens about peer pressure and your family values and choices regarding illegal drug and alcohol abuse can make a bigger difference than one may think. Too many times parents think their kids know what they expect and how they feel about it and don't take the time to actually sit down and have a conversation with the teen. Extended family, family friends, or close neighbors can also take the initiative to talk to teens about the problems and risks associated with drug abuse and alcohol abuse if the teen is being raised in a home where the parents are known to abuse drugs and alcohol. Sometimes just having someone show an interest in the teen, and offer help and other options to the teen, can make a world of difference in the path the teen will choose to follow in his/her own life.
Many times teens feel the peer pressure and know it is wrong but because no one is telling them what the other options are, they figure it is their only option or at the least that no one cares if they make the choice to abuse drugs and alcohol. Other peer pressure statistics report that approximately 50% of teens feel pressured in regards to sexual relationships. Most of the peer pressure facts and statistics that are reported are in relation to negative behaviors that are influenced by peer pressure, however; sometime peer pressure can be used in a good way. Some teens see their friends and classmates excelling on a project or in a sport and they will work harder to try to do as good or better than his/her peers.
Every teen handles peer pressure differently and it is important for teens to learn to deal with peer pressure on his own. Sometimes simply talking through some possible scenarios and allowing the teen to think about how he could respond or what he believes is the correct choice, will give him the courage to make the best choice when he is actually in the situation. Too many times a teen is put on the spot and doesn't know how to get out of the situation. If he has had time to think through some possible options for getting out of an uncomfortable situation before hand, avoiding the peer pressure to do something he really doesn't want to do will be much easier.
Regardless of the peer pressure statistics and peer press facts that show an increase in negative behaviors, the overall percentage of teens that are abusing drugs and alcohol is still relatively small. With a little information and preparation teens will be able to use their influence in a positive way and help others avoid the pitfalls that result from giving in to negative peer pressure.
Sources:
adolescent-substance-abuse.com
Recent peer pressure statistics indicate that more and more teens are being pressured into using dangerous drugs on a daily basis. According to peer pressure statistics on the Adolescent Substance Abuse Knowledge Base website, in a 2006 study it was estimated that every day 2,500 teens chose to abuse some type of pain reliever for the first time. About 1/3 of those respondents reported that they felt pressured into at least trying them. These peer pressure facts are startling. 2, 500 teens daily for a year equals more than 900,000 teens every year that are trying a prescription drug for the first time.
Peer pressure can extend beyond friends to include family, school, and neighborhood associations. This is sometimes referred to as the influence of the "Social System". The influence from each of these social systems seems to have a significant impact on the choices of teens. For instance a teen that has peers that get involved in underage drinking, that also has diligent parents that pay close attention to the teen and the behaviors of the teen and the teen's peers, is less likely to choose to participate in the underage drinking. A teen that has peers that participate in underage drinking and parents that also abuse drugs or alcohol are much more likely to choose to join in the underage drinking with his/her peers.
Talking to your teens about peer pressure and your family values and choices regarding illegal drug and alcohol abuse can make a bigger difference than one may think. Too many times parents think their kids know what they expect and how they feel about it and don't take the time to actually sit down and have a conversation with the teen. Extended family, family friends, or close neighbors can also take the initiative to talk to teens about the problems and risks associated with drug abuse and alcohol abuse if the teen is being raised in a home where the parents are known to abuse drugs and alcohol. Sometimes just having someone show an interest in the teen, and offer help and other options to the teen, can make a world of difference in the path the teen will choose to follow in his/her own life.
Many times teens feel the peer pressure and know it is wrong but because no one is telling them what the other options are, they figure it is their only option or at the least that no one cares if they make the choice to abuse drugs and alcohol. Other peer pressure statistics report that approximately 50% of teens feel pressured in regards to sexual relationships. Most of the peer pressure facts and statistics that are reported are in relation to negative behaviors that are influenced by peer pressure, however; sometime peer pressure can be used in a good way. Some teens see their friends and classmates excelling on a project or in a sport and they will work harder to try to do as good or better than his/her peers.
Every teen handles peer pressure differently and it is important for teens to learn to deal with peer pressure on his own. Sometimes simply talking through some possible scenarios and allowing the teen to think about how he could respond or what he believes is the correct choice, will give him the courage to make the best choice when he is actually in the situation. Too many times a teen is put on the spot and doesn't know how to get out of the situation. If he has had time to think through some possible options for getting out of an uncomfortable situation before hand, avoiding the peer pressure to do something he really doesn't want to do will be much easier.
Regardless of the peer pressure statistics and peer press facts that show an increase in negative behaviors, the overall percentage of teens that are abusing drugs and alcohol is still relatively small. With a little information and preparation teens will be able to use their influence in a positive way and help others avoid the pitfalls that result from giving in to negative peer pressure.
Sources:
adolescent-substance-abuse.com
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Risks of Alternative Sex for Teens
There are risks of alternative sex for teens, unfortunately these risks might be pushed to the wayside of a teens’ mind. Many teens might know and understand the risks of having sexual intercourse like sexually transmitted diseases and unintended teen pregnancy and instead will engage in alternative types of sex thinking they are safe. However, because there are so many other risks of alternative sex for teens, it is important for teens to realize there really is no entirely safe form of sex.
Many teens will engage in types of alternative sex simply because they want to experiment or find a way to express their sexuality with a chosen partner (or partners). While teens might understand that sexual intercourse can result in an unexpected teen pregnancy, or it might even spread types of STDs and infections. Teens might not understand the risks of these alternative types of sex and instead may think they are just doing what they can get away with, while maintaining their status as a virgin. While alternative sexual activities will not likely result in an unexpected pregnancy (unless semen somehow comes close to the vaginal opening), other types of STDs and infections are still a very real possibility. In fact, risks of alternative sex for teens include more than 25 various types of sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes and syphilis. Unfortunately even STDs like HIV or Aids can also be listed as risks of alternative sex for teens.
The most common types of alternative sex that teens might engage in include oral and anal sex, petting, stimulation of the genitals for either partner, mutual masturbation as well as necking or making out. While some of these may seem completely innocent, the likelihood of spreading these infections or STDs is a possibility especially when the alternative sex is unprotected or either partner has had multiple other sexual partners. Condoms may reduce the spread of some of these types of infections or STDs, but unfortunately they do not work anywhere near 100 percent, so it is important for teens to know and understand that abstinence from all types of sexual contact is the only way to completely prevent the possibility of contracting or spreading an STD or other type of infection.
It is important to understand the risks of STDs and the complications they present for those who have them including bleeding, blisters, discharge from the penis or vagina, flu-like symptoms, sore throat, bumps or infection around the genitals or mouth, pain during sex and swelling or redness around the genitals, anus and mouth. It is important for teens to understand these symptoms as most of them are experienced with some or all of the sexually transmitted disease.
Even if the person you are engaging in sexual activities with doesn’t have an STD or is not at risk for one, it is important to know that you can still get other types of infections. This is especially clear in cases of anal sex. Spreading the bacteria that can come from the anus to the vagina or mouth can cause severe infections. While these may not create STDs, the infections that do result can still make a person sick and must be treated. Other risks of alternative sex for teens is less of a health concern, but more of a safety concern. Some teens might find themselves in a situation where the sexual activities start out as seemingly innocent, or aren’t quite sex so they feel like it is okay. However, the partner may not understand the limitations and will push the other teen to engage in sexual intercourse or sex acts that they do not feel comfortable with. Cases like this can turn quickly into sexual assault or even rape. Teens that have had this happen to them need to make sure they report the incident. Even if the incident has never happened, teens need to understand this is a possibility and especially when teens begin engaging in other dangerous behaviors like drugs and alcohol abuse the risk increases even more. The likelihood of other cases of forced sexual encounters can be even more common in such situations, it is important for parents to talk to their kids and teens about being safe.
Sources: mayoclinic.com
Many teens will engage in types of alternative sex simply because they want to experiment or find a way to express their sexuality with a chosen partner (or partners). While teens might understand that sexual intercourse can result in an unexpected teen pregnancy, or it might even spread types of STDs and infections. Teens might not understand the risks of these alternative types of sex and instead may think they are just doing what they can get away with, while maintaining their status as a virgin. While alternative sexual activities will not likely result in an unexpected pregnancy (unless semen somehow comes close to the vaginal opening), other types of STDs and infections are still a very real possibility. In fact, risks of alternative sex for teens include more than 25 various types of sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes and syphilis. Unfortunately even STDs like HIV or Aids can also be listed as risks of alternative sex for teens.
The most common types of alternative sex that teens might engage in include oral and anal sex, petting, stimulation of the genitals for either partner, mutual masturbation as well as necking or making out. While some of these may seem completely innocent, the likelihood of spreading these infections or STDs is a possibility especially when the alternative sex is unprotected or either partner has had multiple other sexual partners. Condoms may reduce the spread of some of these types of infections or STDs, but unfortunately they do not work anywhere near 100 percent, so it is important for teens to know and understand that abstinence from all types of sexual contact is the only way to completely prevent the possibility of contracting or spreading an STD or other type of infection.
It is important to understand the risks of STDs and the complications they present for those who have them including bleeding, blisters, discharge from the penis or vagina, flu-like symptoms, sore throat, bumps or infection around the genitals or mouth, pain during sex and swelling or redness around the genitals, anus and mouth. It is important for teens to understand these symptoms as most of them are experienced with some or all of the sexually transmitted disease.
Even if the person you are engaging in sexual activities with doesn’t have an STD or is not at risk for one, it is important to know that you can still get other types of infections. This is especially clear in cases of anal sex. Spreading the bacteria that can come from the anus to the vagina or mouth can cause severe infections. While these may not create STDs, the infections that do result can still make a person sick and must be treated. Other risks of alternative sex for teens is less of a health concern, but more of a safety concern. Some teens might find themselves in a situation where the sexual activities start out as seemingly innocent, or aren’t quite sex so they feel like it is okay. However, the partner may not understand the limitations and will push the other teen to engage in sexual intercourse or sex acts that they do not feel comfortable with. Cases like this can turn quickly into sexual assault or even rape. Teens that have had this happen to them need to make sure they report the incident. Even if the incident has never happened, teens need to understand this is a possibility and especially when teens begin engaging in other dangerous behaviors like drugs and alcohol abuse the risk increases even more. The likelihood of other cases of forced sexual encounters can be even more common in such situations, it is important for parents to talk to their kids and teens about being safe.
Sources: mayoclinic.com
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Teen Abstinence - What are the Benefits?
Teen abstinence - what are the benefits? There are many benefits of teen abstinence, 100% protection against teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases are the two biggest. There is no other method of safe sex that can boast these statistics. Of course, one must keep in mind that sexually transmitted diseases (STD) can be transmitted through oral sex, so teen abstinence only from sexual intercourse cannot prevent all STDs. In this Teen Abstinence - What are the Benefits? article we will take a look at why more and more teens are choosing teen abstinence.
Teen abstinence, simply put, means that a teen does not engage in sexual activity, including oral sex. What teens are finding is that in addition to protecting them from STDs and unplanned teen pregnancies, there are many other health, social, and emotional benefits of choosing teen abstinence. It is interesting that teen abstinence statistics show that more than half of high school age teens participate in teen abstinence. It seems as though sex is everywhere and that "everyone is doing it" but statistics show that it isn't really the case. In fact, 73% of teens reportedly say that they do not think it is embarrassing for a teen to be a virgin and of the teens that are not virgins, 67% report that they wish they had waited until they were older to participate in sexual activity.
If for no other reason than to prevent teen pregnancy and STDs, teen abstinence is a smart choice. But let's consider a few other reasons why teen abstinence may be a good choice. In addition to being physical, sex is also very emotional. Teens that participate in sexual activity are putting their heart on the line. When one engages in any type of sexual activity both parties are opening themselves up to a whole new range of inexperienced, powerful emotions. Because sex can involve such intensely gratify and euphoric emotions, the opposite is also true, sex can result in some very powerful feelings of anger, depression, and loneliness. When you think about how many boyfriends/girlfriends a teen goes through in high school, and all the heartache that is associated with these relationships without adding sex into the mix, you can just imagine how much more devastating these relationships can be when they involve sex.
Whatever your choices are in regard to sexual activity, make sure you learn about sex. The more you know the more prepared you are to handle whatever situations arise. Understanding sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted infections (STI) and how they are spread is the only way that one is going to be adequately prepared to prevent them. Choosing teen abstinence is a guaranteed way to avoid them, but at some point you will be ready to participate in sexual activities and will want to be sure that at when that time comes you are prepared for it and know how to protect yourself. The same is true when it comes to pregnancy, the more you understand about getting pregnant and birth control options, the more prepared you will be to handle each situation as it arises. Keep in mind that birth control pills are very effective but not 100% effective and they do not protect against STDs or STIs.
Teen abstinence, simply put, means that a teen does not engage in sexual activity, including oral sex. What teens are finding is that in addition to protecting them from STDs and unplanned teen pregnancies, there are many other health, social, and emotional benefits of choosing teen abstinence. It is interesting that teen abstinence statistics show that more than half of high school age teens participate in teen abstinence. It seems as though sex is everywhere and that "everyone is doing it" but statistics show that it isn't really the case. In fact, 73% of teens reportedly say that they do not think it is embarrassing for a teen to be a virgin and of the teens that are not virgins, 67% report that they wish they had waited until they were older to participate in sexual activity.
If for no other reason than to prevent teen pregnancy and STDs, teen abstinence is a smart choice. But let's consider a few other reasons why teen abstinence may be a good choice. In addition to being physical, sex is also very emotional. Teens that participate in sexual activity are putting their heart on the line. When one engages in any type of sexual activity both parties are opening themselves up to a whole new range of inexperienced, powerful emotions. Because sex can involve such intensely gratify and euphoric emotions, the opposite is also true, sex can result in some very powerful feelings of anger, depression, and loneliness. When you think about how many boyfriends/girlfriends a teen goes through in high school, and all the heartache that is associated with these relationships without adding sex into the mix, you can just imagine how much more devastating these relationships can be when they involve sex.
Whatever your choices are in regard to sexual activity, make sure you learn about sex. The more you know the more prepared you are to handle whatever situations arise. Understanding sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted infections (STI) and how they are spread is the only way that one is going to be adequately prepared to prevent them. Choosing teen abstinence is a guaranteed way to avoid them, but at some point you will be ready to participate in sexual activities and will want to be sure that at when that time comes you are prepared for it and know how to protect yourself. The same is true when it comes to pregnancy, the more you understand about getting pregnant and birth control options, the more prepared you will be to handle each situation as it arises. Keep in mind that birth control pills are very effective but not 100% effective and they do not protect against STDs or STIs.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
PregnantTeenHelp.org Review
PregnantTeenHelp.org is one of the best resources on the web to provide sexually active teens with a resource to learn more about pregnancy, safe sex, pregnancy prevention as well as information about all of your options for those teens who have already discovered they are unexpectedly pregnant. The possibility of being pregnant during ones teen years can be a stressful situation. In most cases, teens are not actively looking to become pregnant, but one-third of teen girls in the United States still become pregnant every year, according to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.
While teen pregnancy statistics show rates are slightly down in recent years since a major decline in 2005, these numbers are still very high and need to be headed on an even steeper decline. Nearly 18 billion dollars is spent each year in the United States to the benefit of young teen mothers on federal and state government assistance programs. These numbers are high and the tax payers are footing the bill. To help prevent these numbers from continuing to grow, teens need to be informed. That is why on PregnantTeenHelp.org, teens are given the information they need to make smart and informed decisions about pregnancy prevention and having safe sex. Being a teen is difficult enough without having to add the idea of an unplanned pregnancy into the mix. Learning about birth control, condoms and other types of pregnancy prevention are all topics covered in the articles written on PregnantTeenHelp.org. Some of the information on the website also covers your options if you are a teen and discover that you are pregnant. These topics cover information on adoption, abortion and parenting options. More information about child birth, pregnancy health and nutrition are also topics that are discussed regularly on the site in updated articles continually being added to the website.
Being a teen mom can be tough and often includes the teen dropping out of high school let alone attending college. Teens are also likely to be and remain single parents. Teens that have unprotected sex are at a 25 percent risk for becoming pregnant. If you are a parent of a teen that might be sexually active, it is a good idea to have them check out a website like PregnantTeenHelp.org to learn about their options for safe sex. Keeping an open communication with your teen is a vital part of establishing limits when it comes to sex, protection and teen pregnancy. Teens that are pregnant and feel they have no where to turn to learn about their options for becoming a teen mother or for considering alternative options as well, can always turn to PregnantTeenHelp.org for help and more information. There are ways for a teen mom to become successful, but it is a tough road. There is a lot that goes into having a healthy pregnancy including proper diet, nutrition and taking care of your body. There is also a lot to know about child birth options and other pregnancy issues. PregnantTeenHelp.org covers those topics with new articles with more information being added regularly. Check out PregnantTeenHelp.org today to learn more about teen pregnancy, options for pregnant teens and how to be safe when having sex.
While teen pregnancy statistics show rates are slightly down in recent years since a major decline in 2005, these numbers are still very high and need to be headed on an even steeper decline. Nearly 18 billion dollars is spent each year in the United States to the benefit of young teen mothers on federal and state government assistance programs. These numbers are high and the tax payers are footing the bill. To help prevent these numbers from continuing to grow, teens need to be informed. That is why on PregnantTeenHelp.org, teens are given the information they need to make smart and informed decisions about pregnancy prevention and having safe sex. Being a teen is difficult enough without having to add the idea of an unplanned pregnancy into the mix. Learning about birth control, condoms and other types of pregnancy prevention are all topics covered in the articles written on PregnantTeenHelp.org. Some of the information on the website also covers your options if you are a teen and discover that you are pregnant. These topics cover information on adoption, abortion and parenting options. More information about child birth, pregnancy health and nutrition are also topics that are discussed regularly on the site in updated articles continually being added to the website.
Being a teen mom can be tough and often includes the teen dropping out of high school let alone attending college. Teens are also likely to be and remain single parents. Teens that have unprotected sex are at a 25 percent risk for becoming pregnant. If you are a parent of a teen that might be sexually active, it is a good idea to have them check out a website like PregnantTeenHelp.org to learn about their options for safe sex. Keeping an open communication with your teen is a vital part of establishing limits when it comes to sex, protection and teen pregnancy. Teens that are pregnant and feel they have no where to turn to learn about their options for becoming a teen mother or for considering alternative options as well, can always turn to PregnantTeenHelp.org for help and more information. There are ways for a teen mom to become successful, but it is a tough road. There is a lot that goes into having a healthy pregnancy including proper diet, nutrition and taking care of your body. There is also a lot to know about child birth options and other pregnancy issues. PregnantTeenHelp.org covers those topics with new articles with more information being added regularly. Check out PregnantTeenHelp.org today to learn more about teen pregnancy, options for pregnant teens and how to be safe when having sex.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
2011 Teen Drug Abuse Statistics - Drug Abuse Rising
With the release of new 2011 teen drug abuse statistics by the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuses at Columbia University, the numbers show drug abuse is rising among teens after having been in a state of decline over the past 10 years. These new findings of the 2011 teen drug abuse statistics indicate that more teens are turning to marijuana, underage drinking and abusing other addictive drugs and substances as a way to cope with stress. Many teens in the study reported having an abundance of stress in their lives, which is why they turn to drug use as a coping mechanism.
Teen drug abuse statistics clearly indicate drug abuse is rising among teens. In fact, the number of teens reported using marijuana is at 39 percent, up from 32 percent. The number of teens using Ecstasy as a party drug is also up from six percent to 10 percent. The biggest problem with teens doing these drugs and other addictive substances like tobacco, cocaine and alcohol at such a young age is that addiction takes stronger roots during a person’s adolescence. To stop the addiction and drug abuse trend from continuing to rise, it is important to talk to your children and teens about the dangers of drug use.
Many teens might not fully understand the risks to their health and futures they are taking when they begin sampling drugs at a young age. They may not fully understand the risk at becoming addicted to the drugs or alcohol use. This is especially true for teens since the teen brain is not fully developed, the chances of addiction are even greater. According to the new 2011 teen drug abuse statistics, about 75 percent of the teens admitted to trying drugs or alcohol before the age of 18. Out of those numbers about one in three teens are currently showing signs of addiction to an addictive substance like tobacco, alcohol, cocaine and other drugs, as demonstrated in the 2011 teen drug abuse statistics.
With drug abuse rising among teens, this is clearly something that needs to be taken care of now before these numbers continue to grow. With the responsibility of prevention weighing heavily on the parents of these teens, it is important for parents to look for the teen drug abuse warning signs early. Hopefully early treatment and prevention methods will help to decrease the likelihood that their teen will become a life-long addict that struggles with their addiction throughout their life.
Taking addiction into their adulthood is something that will affect just about everything in their life from jobs to education and relationships. Addictions to drugs and alcohol make it difficult to be successful as an adult in just about every aspect of ones life. This is why it is so important for parents to not be afraid to talk to their kids about the dangers of drugs. Be realistic and lay out all of the details on the line to them. Monitor their activities and ensure you know what kinds of activities they are involved with as well as their friendships with other teens. Playing an active role in your child’s life is a proven way to help prevent them from underage drinking, trying drugs and other illegal substances. Making efforts early is one of the best ways from stopping this drug abuse rising trend among teens.
Teen drug abuse statistics clearly indicate drug abuse is rising among teens. In fact, the number of teens reported using marijuana is at 39 percent, up from 32 percent. The number of teens using Ecstasy as a party drug is also up from six percent to 10 percent. The biggest problem with teens doing these drugs and other addictive substances like tobacco, cocaine and alcohol at such a young age is that addiction takes stronger roots during a person’s adolescence. To stop the addiction and drug abuse trend from continuing to rise, it is important to talk to your children and teens about the dangers of drug use.
Many teens might not fully understand the risks to their health and futures they are taking when they begin sampling drugs at a young age. They may not fully understand the risk at becoming addicted to the drugs or alcohol use. This is especially true for teens since the teen brain is not fully developed, the chances of addiction are even greater. According to the new 2011 teen drug abuse statistics, about 75 percent of the teens admitted to trying drugs or alcohol before the age of 18. Out of those numbers about one in three teens are currently showing signs of addiction to an addictive substance like tobacco, alcohol, cocaine and other drugs, as demonstrated in the 2011 teen drug abuse statistics.
With drug abuse rising among teens, this is clearly something that needs to be taken care of now before these numbers continue to grow. With the responsibility of prevention weighing heavily on the parents of these teens, it is important for parents to look for the teen drug abuse warning signs early. Hopefully early treatment and prevention methods will help to decrease the likelihood that their teen will become a life-long addict that struggles with their addiction throughout their life.
Taking addiction into their adulthood is something that will affect just about everything in their life from jobs to education and relationships. Addictions to drugs and alcohol make it difficult to be successful as an adult in just about every aspect of ones life. This is why it is so important for parents to not be afraid to talk to their kids about the dangers of drugs. Be realistic and lay out all of the details on the line to them. Monitor their activities and ensure you know what kinds of activities they are involved with as well as their friendships with other teens. Playing an active role in your child’s life is a proven way to help prevent them from underage drinking, trying drugs and other illegal substances. Making efforts early is one of the best ways from stopping this drug abuse rising trend among teens.
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