Teens Connect and Communicate with Others
Reach out and connect with friends, family, and community
As a teen, you will meet many new people and develop new friendships. Existing relationships will change and grow. Managing your health care along with healthy friendships and relationships can be a lot to handle at times. It is important to know how to talk and listen when connecting with friends, parents, teachers, or doctors.
Who needs to know about your condition and how will you tell them?
As a teen, you will find yourself in many new situations. You will meet and interact with lots of new people. This can be exciting, exhilarating, and sometimes stressful when you need to tell a new person about your condition. The Deciding and Telling About Your Health Condition page has tips on deciding who to tell and how to have these sometimes uncomfortable discussions.
Prove you are responsible to your parents
Part of becoming an adult is gaining the trust of others. As a teen, you will become more independent. But it may be hard for your parents to let go. The Building Your Parents' Trust page has ideas on how to work with your parents so they are comfortable as you take on more responsibility.
Stay safe online
The internet can be a great resource to connect with others, but it also has its fair share of creeps. Visit the Internet Safety for Teens page for tips on how to ensure your own safety and protect your personal privacy while online.
If you are looking for places to connect online with other teens with special needs, here are a few places to start:
- Ability Online
- Band-aids and Blackboards for Teens
- Caring Bridge
- Center for Children with Special Needs Facebook Page
- Starbright World
Be confident when talking with health professionals
When you were younger, your parents probably did most of the talking during your doctor visits. As a teen, this responsibility will fall more to you. Are you comfortable talking with your doctor? What kinds of questions should you ask? Visit the Talking with Health Professionals page to find hints on how to build confidence and speak up for yourself.