Alex is having his first session with a counselor and is recounting his life history:

I¥ just turned 20. I finished high school about two years ago, and I have been lost since then. I was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder when I was five, and it has been a struggle since then. My mother stayed home to take care of me full time. Through her effort, I thrived. I was in the gifted program from the first grade to high school. I started taking ADHD medications when I was 11. I quit taking them after I graduated high school. I suffered from severe depression to the point that I attempted to hurt myself three times. The only reason I`still living is because of my mom. She loved me unconditionally, no matter what. I’ve had jobs here and there, but I always ended up getting fired. I now live independently, sort of, with my friends. Most of the time, my mom pays for the rent. I have a girlfriend who I get along with, and I think we are pretty solid. I am applying for jobs, but I hate being with people. I hate being in school; I think it is a colossal waste of money.

My sister is a nurse. She is my momàstar kid- accomplished and successful. My only accomplishment is my car- I love working with my car, although it’s older than me and it cost a lot of money to fix. I love driving it because I feel free when I am driving. I love playing video games, too. It’s a community that never leaves you, and I feel a great sense of belongingness with them. I can be myself when I am playing with my friends. Itàan escape for me -an emotional vacation. However, I am turning 21 soon. The pressure is getting to be too high for me to be financially independent. I don’t know what to do, where to start, or even how to start. That’s the reason why I am here.

In 4-5 paragraphs, answer the following questions. Use at least two sources and cite them using APA format:

1. Why might Alex be finding it particularly difficult to find a job?
2. Alex regards himself as a lost person. What are the factors that you believe have contributed to him feeling this way?
3. Please write about the following: What parts of Alexàstory reminds you of your own experience in your adolescence or emerging adulthood years?
4. How do general theories of human growth and development relate to a young person like Alex?
5. What effect might AlexàADHD have on his development?
6. What concepts of human growth and development are relevant to him?