When an observer concentrates on a particle, it changes, moving from its ill-defined wave state, potentially spread out anywhere, to suddenly becoming solid. Now it has validity and a definite location. Gone is the uncertainty. All this happens just because someone is observing the particle, noticing it. Weird, but scientifically true.
People are the same.
If you want to perceive, understand, and perhaps heal the troubled youth, notice him. Take him from hazy-wave to particle. Make him solid. After all, he needs identity. He wants you to notice him, so oblige him.