For years my family has noticed my 15 year old neighbor's odd behavior. Every year or two she obsesses about one and only one thing. Whether its pokemon, lion king, and this year reality tv shows, its obviously affected her life. She spends hours searching the internet for latest updates on whatever show is playing that night. You cannot have a conversation with her because she only focuses on the one topic. She does poorly in her "core" (science, math, english) classes, and always has. In kindergarten and 1st grade her teachers informed her parents that she should be tested for ADD or ADAD HD. Her parents completely disregard her obsessive actions, in fact they think she's a normal child. My family and I are very considered for the overall well being of my neighbor and we would like to know what the problem is.
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Sounds like OCD, obsessive compulsive disorder. Many people have this and chose not to use medication. Medication is good but not for everyone. The side effects are pretty hard to take. I bet your neighbor knows about the problem but has chosen not to discuss it with others and that is their right. Just because someone has odd behavior does not make them less of a human being. While I understand you feel your neighbors behavior is odd but it is her life and if that's what and how she wants to live it then it is frankly none of your business.
It sounds like her parents are in denial. If you think this is a true case of neglect, you cal call the abuse registry. Every child/person has a right to and deserves proper diagnosis and any treatment needed. If one goes too long untreated, it can just escalate the matter as you may already know.
It sounds like she has ADD and her outlet/coping mechanism is focusing on one thing - then she appears she has "done something" or that is the only way she knows how to deal with her problem. Yes, her behavior is obsessive.
She might have something called OCD or Aspergers syndrome,as those with Aspergers tend to want to talk on one topic and want to focus on certain things.Have you tried changing the subject and see what happens,you might want to ask her if she is interested in other things,maybe tell her some things you like to do,maybe it might help her open up more to other interests she might have.