A 16-year-old student refuses to comply with care plan prescribed by the Barbara Davis Center. He is very noncompliant in all arenas. They are aware of the problem, however, are out of ideas as am I. We are at the point where this young man will face discipline issues, even suspension, from school. He just doesn’t seem to care. He has tried counseling and reminders, but nothing worked. Furthermore, his parents are enablers. What do you suggest?

It sounds like the school is dealing with at least three separate, but related, issues. A teenager who has diabetes that is not well controlled, a teenager who is engaging in disruptive behaviors in the school such that he is at risk for suspension, and parents who are not partnering effectively with the school personnel to help their son. There are exceptionally gifted mental health personnel at the Barbara Davis Center who may be able to provide support and guidance. It may also be helpful to partner with the division of the school system that deals with teenagers who cannot succeed in a regular classroom to determine a more appropriate educational environment for this student.

JWB
Additional comments from Debbie Butler, MSW, LICSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker:

This sounds like a very difficult situation. I know you have said that counseling has been tried. Could he try meeting with a different counselor? Is there a counselor at the Barbara Davis Center that is knowledgeable about diabetes that he could meet with? Also, could his parents try to take over as many diabetes tasks as possible and see how that goes? I hope that things get better for this teenager.

DB