Hoapili: A Remedy. Combating Depression in Neurodiverse Adults Post–High School in a Rural Hawaiʻi Community

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 2:30 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Research and Remedy: Nurturing Our Indigenous Peoples and Protecting Our Environments (Table 7)

Abstract

I am a parent of a neurodiverse young adult who has been struggling with depression since completing his high school experience. A recent discussion with other parents/caregivers of neurodiverse young adults in our rural community in Hawaiʻi found that depression after transitioning from high school had become a familiar and severe issue among our families. The suspected root cause is that there is no place to belong, leaving these young adults and their parents/caregivers frustrated. This study hopes to understand the young adults’ root causes and other factors for depression and parents/caregivers’ frustration and how parents/caregivers are coping and supporting their young adults. Participation in a newly formed 501c3 named Hoapili could be the answer and will be explored here.

Author

• Jerusha Nanea Puanani Magalei, Brigham Young University - Hawaii