Adolescent Care

What ages are covered by adolescent care?

Adolescent care specializes in the complex physical, emotional, behavioral, social, and health care needs of people between the ages of 10 to 21 years.

There are three stages of adolescence. At each stage, young people go through different changes. Here’s a summary with a few examples of the changes in each stage:

Early adolescence (ages 10-13)

This stage marks the onset of puberty for most adolescents, but it can start a year or two before their tenth birthday. As their bodies start to mature, females develop breasts and start their periods, while testicles enlarge in males. At this age, preteens are incredibly self-conscious about their appearance.

Middle adolescence (ages 14-17)

Males enter a growth spurt and their voices start to change. Most females have regular periods and are fully developed. This is the time when teens become interested in romantic and sexual relationships.

Their brains continue to mature, but their cognitive processes don’t fully develop until their 20s. Emotions and impulses drive the choices made by most middle adolescents.

Late adolescence (ages 18-21)

Their physical development is finished by the time they reach this stage. Additionally, most late adolescents have more impulse control and do a better job of weighing risks and rewards. They’re better at maintaining relationships and usually seek to establish an adult relationship with their parents.

Does adolescent care support parents?

Yes, Dr. Atousa offers full support to parents of adolescents. Parents can help their children navigate the changes of adolescence better by talking with them beforehand. For example, it helps to talk about the changes in a teen’s body before they start to experience them.

Dr. Atousa can help if you have a hard time talking with your teen or need guidance about how to approach subjects.

What types of services are part of adolescent care?

Dr. Atousa provides the full range of adolescent services. She treats acute illnesses such as strep throat and flu, takes care of minor injuries, and offers long-term management of chronic diseases like asthma and diabetes. 

Healthy Kids Care Pediatrics at Sunrise also offers:

• Routine physicals
• Sports physicals
• Reproductive health care
• Mental health care
• Immunizations
• Acne treatment
• ADHD management
• Autism management
• Weight loss management
• Nutrition counseling
• Drug, alcohol, and tobacco counseling
• Mediation between adolescents and parents

Dr. Atousa serves as an advocate for adolescents, helping them through the challenges they face as they transition from pediatric to adult health care.

To schedule an appointment for adolescent care, call Healthy Kids Care Pediatrics at Sunrise or book an appointment online today.