Adolescent issues can be especially challenging for teenagers with autism or learning differences. The psychologists, therapists and health professionals at Oasis Place can help teenage clients identify their emotional struggles and provide information and support to help the individual manage these transitory years more easily. Some common issues in the teenage years include:

• Transition to secondary school or college
• Bullying
• Puberty & Sexuality
• Cyber Addiction
• Friendship
• Emotional Issues

Our psychological and therapeutic services include:
Psychology Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Music Therapy, Nutritional Advice and Continuous Education

Additional transdisciplinary approaches and Oasis Place tailored programmes include:

• Social Programmes - Quest Buddies and Social Buddies
• School Holiday Programmes - Social Discoverers, Social Code Breakers and Language Camps
• Tailored Intensive Programmes - College Transition and Study Skills
• Independent Life Skills Workshops - Quest Oasis
• Malaysia Day Camp and Malaysia Day Bootcamp
• Peer Support Groups - Being Me, Combatting The Jitters and Parent Circle
• Mental health assessments
• Individual Therapy
• Group support and workshops

Having good friendships and healthy social relationships are important for teenagers when it comes to confidence, self-esteem and feeling connected. Friendships provide the skills required to manage emotions, negotiate, cooperate and problem-solve. It is important for teens to learn the ‘unspoken rules’ of social communication and to learn what is and isn’t appropriate in different situations. Seeing another person’s perspective and understanding their feelings are also crucial social skills. Tools to support social and emotional learning include the use of social stories, increasing self and social awareness, learning social cues, building relationships and nurturing responsibility.

Developing independent life skills is important for teens to build strong foundations for adulthood. Independent life skills include personal care and hygiene, emotional and stress management, personal safety, health management, time management, financial management and more. At Oasis Place, our transdisciplinary approach including psychologist, occupational therapists and more can help teens with executive functioning of day to day activities, and the ability to organise themselves, think flexibly, practice self-control and move towards living a more independent life.

Mental health issues in teens are not uncommon and can include a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem issues, conduct disorder and more. Mental health issues in teens are often a direct response to what is happening in their lives, and for teens living with a learning difference, the struggle may be more pronounced. A psychologist or therapist can help teenagers learn to regulate their emotions, strengthen coping mechanisms, build resilience and more.

Puberty is a confusing time for teens with the various physical, hormonal and socio-emotional changes happening. For teens approaching puberty, it is not only important for them to manage body changes, but also handle other challenges like social relationships (with friends and romantic partners), smart and safe decision making (parties, driving, alcohol and drugs etc), general safety and personal hygiene. It can be difficult for parents to talk to their children about their bodies so it is important for parents to learn more on the ways to approach this topic.

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behaviour among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. It can happen in many different settings like school grounds, home, and even online. No single factor puts a child at risk of being bullied, but children who are perceived as different, or are more socially isolated, are at a higher risk of being bullied. This makes individuals with learning differences more vulnerable. Teens who are bullied are more likely to experience health complaints, mental health issues and decrease in academic achievement. Some of these effects could persist through adulthood. Hence, it is important to seek help from a psychologist or therapist if your teen is encountering bullying.

Cyber addiction refers to excessive or compulsive use of the internet via computers, mobile phones or tablets that leads to distress or impairment in everyday functioning. This is a growing concern amongst teens as the internet is an important part of the modern world, even assisting with education. Teens who lack nurturing relationships, or suffer from poor social skills, are at greater risk of developing excessive online habits. They may have problems making new friends, experience bullying, or even struggle in school, resulting in more time online. Some ways to support teens include teaching them rules and boundaries, and appropriate coping strategies.

For enrollment and exam accommodations, schools will typically ask for a detailed assessment and diagnosis of your child’s learning difference. Oasis Place is a preferred provider of standardised assessments for a number of local and international schools in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. We are well versed in the requirements of the Malaysia Ministry of Education (MOE) and work closely with school administrators, doctors, allied health professionals and parents to get the best possible outcome for the child.

Oasis Place is a Malaysian MENSA approved testing partner to diagnose and support individuals with an IQ in the top 2%.

A place of love and nurturing, Oasis Place is the heart of change in Malaysia and beyond.We host a number of events, workshops and programmes for children, parents, educators and health professionals to help the learning different community grow and thrive. Ready to jump on board? Check out our current and past events here.

Ready to seek help but prefer to do it from home? OPConnect is your gateway to all the assessments and therapies you need online. All you need is a computer with a camera, a microphone and internet connection. We use a range of videoconferencing applications including WhatsApp, Facetime, Skype and Zoom. You can connect safely and conveniently to all our psychologists, therapists and counsellors - any time or place that suits you. Sounds good? Reach out to us today. We are here to help.

Oasis Place is Malaysia’s largest transdisciplinary intervention centre specialising in emotional and clinical psychology therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, music therapy and nutritional advice. Our team of experienced psychologists and therapists can assess and treat a range of learning and mental health issues including Autism, ADHD, Asperger's, Dyslexia, Down Syndrome, global developmental delay, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, trauma, stress and more. It’s never too late to seek help. To find out more about how Oasis Place can help you or a loved one, please reach out to us. We are here to help.