Adolescent and Young Adult Specialty Clinic: Delilah’s Story
Safe. Supported. And equipped for whatever life brings. That’s how our Adolescent and Young Adult Specialty Clinic (AYASC) wants teens to feel when they leave their appointment. And that’s why 17-year-old Delilah and her mom, Violet, keep coming back for continued care.
Violet first heard about the AYASC from a relative who works in another department at Children’s Mercy. “I wanted my daughter to be safe and get all the resources she needs,” said Violet. “Even though, as a parent, it’s a tough pill to swallow when you realize your kids are growing up and becoming more independent! Here at the clinic, they’re really good about making sure she gets what she needs and feels comfortable talking to the doctors.”
The AYASC provides care for adolescents and young adults ages 10 to 21. Adolescent Medicine is a little different than some of our other clinics because it is age-specific, not condition-specific. The AYASC team are experts in all types of issues that are typical in the teenage years, but through the lens of the adolescent’s ever-changing needs, including:
- Mental and behavioral health
- Substance use
- Nutrition, weight and eating
- Reproductive and sexual health
- Dizziness, fainting and blood pressure problems
- Other common health concerns
Andrea Nos, MD, MHPE, is one of the adolescent medicine specialists in the AYASC and Delilah’s doctor. Dr. Nos explained why she loves working with adolescents:
“Their resilience is inspiring. Their curiosity makes it fun to engage in conversations about their health and health behaviors. It is a true privilege to support them as they learn to make independent health decisions and grow into thriving young adults.”
Delilah is active in her school’s choir and also loves playing acoustic guitar. She is a strong student who challenges herself with Advanced Placement classes and already has four years of Spanish class under her belt as a junior.
“Everyone here is really nice,” Delilah shared. “I feel comfortable talking to them about whatever’s going on with me. And Dr. Nos is amazing! She’s funny, smart, high-spirited — always makes it fun.”
The AYASC team tries to bridge the gap between giving teens privacy and including parents and caregivers in their care. “Delilah has time to talk with the doctor one-on-one, and when she's ready, I join her so they can fill me in on anything she wants to share,” explained Violet.
And for her part, Violet is already planning to bring her younger son to the clinic when he’s ready. “I want him to have someone to talk to about his emotions and all the changes of being a teen,” she said. “I really encourage parents to give it a chance!”