It’s a question every teenager and young adult whines at a pediatrician: “Aren’t I old enough now for an adult doctor?” The pediatrician smiles wistfully, remembering colic, diaper rash, and skinned knees — but that was a great home run!
She answers that the teenager’s or young adult’s body is still changing and will do so until age 21 to 25. Until then, the young patient can feel free to come to the pediatric clinic in Summerville, SC, to tell her why you don’t feel well.
It Isn’t Just About Age
When kids hit their early teens, their bodies are changing. The transformations involve emotional and mental growth as well as the physical kind. While pediatricians are trained to deal with these issues, their young patients may be suddenly uncomfortable talking about newly maturing body parts and hormonal changes they don’t understand.
Parents and kids should ask their pediatrician for an adolescent specialist. They’re out there, but if there isn’t one around your nearby pediatric clinic in Summerville, SC, then perhaps your primary care physician can assume the young adult’s medical care.
Phases of Development
Young adults have already experienced growth spurts, growing pains, and the hormonal changes of adolescence. Their bodily organs and systems, the digestive and coronary systems, lungs, and brain for example, are the size of the adult versions.
Young adults are putting into practice their learning, intelligence, and perception while determining and expressing their identity. They now understand the causes and effects in their interactions with others. They’re exploring relationships and the priorities and values that relate to those bonds.
In short, when the child feels s/he’s ready to step into adulthood, then the pediatrician gives way to a primary care physician. Palmetto Pediatrics is well-versed in these stages of development and can aid the teen who is stepping into adulthood.
