Academic Problems

Is your child, previously a good or at least “passing” student, suddenly showing tendencies towards failing grades, missing classes and disinterest with school? These can be signs of academic problems. It is most common in our current society, to label such children as ADD or ADHD, but what did this happen so suddenly to a previously bright and capable student? ADD and ADHD are very real possibilities to explore, but in order to benefit your child the most, it is important to look at all the possibilities. First, we must look at the problem for only by that can we find the solution. It may be your child had a learning disability that you haven’t had diagnosed yet.

What symptoms is your child or teenager displaying? There are both internalized and externalized learning and behavior disorder signs. Internal signs can be harder to pick up, but with a little care and attention, we can get your child the help he or she needs.

  • Boredom or carelessness with school property, homework etc.
  • Disinterest in school or reluctance to go to school completely
  • A reported withdrawal or disinterest in class, even in subject previously preferred by the student.
  • Disorganized, inattentive, lack of focus or motivation
  • Work that looks sloppy and poorly done, despite claims of putting his or her best effort into it.
  • Physical symptoms of stress, such as headaches and stomach pains, frequent trips to the school nurse or infirmary.

Externalized signs and symptoms of learning or behavioral issues:

  • In class – blurting out impulsively, usually incorrect answers
  • Frequent (more than once or twice) breaking school rules intentionally, being sent to heads of school or departments for discipline because of disruptive behavior or actions.
  • More than usual “messing around” with classmates, being the class clown in a disruptive way.
  • Aggression towards peers or adults
  • New friends who are considered “delinquent,” or losing old friends who are seemingly better behaved. Inappropriate joking around, getting in trouble alongside new friends for such an offense.

Truancy is one of the largest academic problems in the world. Students across to country leave class early, skip entirely, and fake sickness to get out of class. No one is against the very occasional sick day for the average child, but truancy is definitely a symptom of a larger issue. Truancy is a possible sign of the following:

  • A physical disorder such as a brief or chronic illness.
  • Fatigue: Caused by illness, depression, or lack of sleep
  • Addiction: to a drug or to alcohol. Can involve a hangover that can make someone very reluctant or unable to go to school the following day. Or can mean that the person no longer cares as much about school as they do drinking and using.
  • Psychological disorder: These include anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, agoraphobia, personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, avoidant personality disorder.
  • Bullying: If a student is being bullied by another student, they are more likely to try and leave school early or avoid it altogether.
  • Learning disorder: ADD and ADHD being the most commonly known. These can cause a student to lose interest in school because of the intense difficulty they are experiencing.

No matter what the difficulty your child, and so by extension – you – are struggling with, Center for Discovery can help. We specialize in teenagers and adolescents having difficulties in school and at home. Let us gently but firmly guide you and your family out of the troubles you are experiencing, You do not have to live in a constant state of unease, conflict and pain, let Center for Discovery aid you in this change.

In the following pages you will read information pertaining to our mental health program, treatment components, why we treat adolescent only and in a residential setting, mental health red flags, levels of care, and the Discovery Mental Health Program admissions process. You are also welcome to take a virtual picture tour of our facilities and browse through our online brochure. It is our hope that this information will help you to obtain a better understanding of our adolescent mental health residential program, as well as become more informed on mental health issues, including medical complications. There is also a testimonial section from past residents and their families. If you have further inquiries we are available to you 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. Please contact our confidential Intake staff at or you may fill out the online form on the Contact Us page.