Considering the fact that Peter is sixteen years old; has been quiet and shy through out his life to the current age and that he never used to spend time with other children, it is reasonable to think that there is a permanent aspect to Peter’s current behavior. This is more because his behavior has been much like explained in the present case; despite the fact that he has considerably changed to become rebellious to teachers and parents; his grades are falling and does not take his homework. However he is much comparable to a great extent to the way he normally behaves, thinks and feels. However the present difficulties that he is going through being a 16 year old; may be associated to a possible cause of Down syndrome complications, or the feelings and behavioral deficiency he associates to the loss of the all time friend grandpa; but which are further amplified by his adolescent phase of development (Myers 1-12).
The phase they could be referring to could the Down syndrome associated with adolescents within the stage of development running between 11 and 16 years. This is predictive from his withdrawn nature and shy character; as the individuals with these complications are associated to having certain slight cognitive and physical impairments. The incidence of Down syndrome is estimated at 1 out of every 800 children. Peter being 16 he could also be undergoing the biological, psychological and social functioning difficulties; which often come along with distress and anxiety among teens due to the changes experienced (Myers 1-12).
Peter’s parents should further be assessing the family dynamics within their home; as from recent research it was found that the traditional or modern nature of the family or peace within it may be affect the behavior of adolescents. Among issues to be considered is if both parents are always out for work, or drinking. It would also be a good idea to try listening to his idea about the issue, so as to know if counseling may be needed at home of professionally (Myers 1-12).
There is a reason to think that the situation could be worse than being a phase; as Peter could be undergoing the common mood disorders associated to imbalances in brain chemical activity or environmental conditions. This conclusion has been arrived at because he is showing symptoms of Bipolar disorder that include lack of sleep; loss of appetite; guilt and feelings of hopelessness. However the situation is treatable so the parents need to check out the problem through the help of a doctor (Myers 1-12).
The difficulty that should raise concerns is that due to the behavioral changes associated with adolescence; they may imagine it is normal but could be that the death of the grandpa is causing depression in Peter. From research it has been discovered that one out of every fifty school children undergo major depression effects; especially those with a low self esteem. As a result, he needs medical attention before the situation gets out of hand. Some of the extreme effects are committing suicide among other adverse effects (Myers 1-12).
The other factors that could be in play in this case include the fact that the death of the grandpa could be causing feelings of depression in him. An example in this case is a 15 year old middle school student who on the 14th of may 1996 shot their bus driver’s leg; and later shot himself dead only to be found holding the obituaries of two recently deceased classmates (Myers 1-12).
Work cited
Myers, David. “Exploring Psychology”, Seventh Edition. New York: Worth Publishers. 2008: 1-12