<p>My friend has a 16 year old son who was doing wonderfully until about 2 years ago. He has been obese since an early age which always caused emotional issues, yet he was a star at a highly competitive private school, was motivated, had friends and participated in many things.</p>
<p>This abruptly changed at about 14. He refused to go to school, grades dropped, became abusive to his parents--you get the picture.</p>
<p>The mom is a psychologist and great researcher. She searched for all possible solutions. They ended up sending him to a "therapeutic" school for a year and a half where he was helped in many ways. He has had a very difficult readjustment since returning in January and would like to go to boarding school.The parents are worn down and don't know how to help anymore as the child refuses to try medications.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any idea of a school that might be willing to admit and work with such a kid? Keeping his eating under control is a big issue. He is a sweet child, not aggressive or mean to anyone other than himself and his parents! He has so much potential and needs a special place to help him realize it.</p>
<p>Zagat, shoot, I wish I could remember the name of the school but there is a boarding school in Northern California specifically for kids who struggle with weight issues. I will see if I can recall the name but read an article about it a few months ago and it sounded just like what he might need.</p>
<p>One wonderful poster has provided a name of a consultant. Any others would be appreciated. they worked with someone who places at therapeutic schools, but now are looking for someone who can look at the entire range and see if something more mainstream might work. It really is an odd case. and my belief is that the obesity is the central issue. He's a great kid with a great mom who wil walk on water for him, but myriad shrinks and programs just haven't clicked yet.</p>
<p>Could he maybe try a camp over the summer? And a mentor during the school days? </p>
<p>I have mentored many kids throughout my high school year (dunno what my guidance counselor saw in me, but reccommends me), and I remember one soph. girl who was obese and had a lot of social issues. I hung out with her twice a week (Wed and Sat), and we just did homework, I introduced her to the people I knew, got her involved in community events, we talked through email and IM; I sort of prodded her out of her shell. </p>
<p>Over the summer she went to this camp, (God, I don't remember the name but I will find out), it was a sleep away camp and really just matured her. We still meet once in awhile this year for fun, but she's totally ready to fly on her own.</p>
<p>Thanks Carolyn, they do know about the new school in Norcal. Trouble is they only take kids for a year, and this 10th grader has already been to two highschools. Who knows, it may still be the best option!</p>
<p>Aroundthecorner, if only more schools trained mentors like yourself! If they did, I doubt the post would have been necessary.</p>
<p>Thanks so much everyone, this is a family that deserves to win this battle!</p>
<p>Zagat. I believe The Buxton School has a therapeutic component. I know a graduate who was able to turn his life around with the school's help. I'm not a therapist, but childhood obesity strikes me as a symptom of other, more profound issues. </p>