When reflecting on the most talked-about episodes of Dr. Phil, the story of 12-year-old Aneska immediately surfaces. Viewers were introduced to Aneska in March 2016, portrayed by her mother, Melanie, as a child who held their family “in a constant state of crisis.” Melanie described her daughter as “explosive, violent, and aggressive,” detailing disturbing behaviors that included threats against family members, the killing of their pet hamster, and the deliberate destruction of a nest of baby birds.
During the original Dr. Phil episode, an update revealed a potential turning point: doctors had identified unusual brain activity in Aneska and suggested new medication as a course of action. This left many wondering – what happened to Aneska after her appearance on the show? Has there been any improvement for the young girl described as having such troubling tendencies in the years following her family’s plea for help on Dr. Phil?
What’s Aneska Been Up To Since Dr. Phil?
Information regarding Aneska and her family following their Dr. Phil episode has been somewhat scarce, largely due to the decision to not publicly disclose her last name on the program. However, through online investigations and discussions, particularly within Reddit threads, it’s been established that Aneska’s full name is Aneska Lenardon.
Source: Facebook
A glimpse into Aneska’s life as a teenager was provided via a photo shared on her mother Melanie’s Facebook page in June 2017. The picture featured Aneska alongside her parents and siblings. Further online presence linked to her name indicates she was anticipated to graduate high school in 2021, according to an account update from August 29.
While her Instagram account appears inactive since 2018, her bio on the platform offers a telling statement: “Yes I was on TV, no I don’t want help. This is my real account.” Despite the ambiguity of her Instagram bio, there remains a hopeful sentiment that Aneska is currently faring well and receiving the support she needs.
Confirmation of Aneska’s Struggles Came From Family Friends
On Dr. Phil, Melanie and Dave Lenardon recounted the onset of Aneska’s behavioral issues, pinpointing a tricycle accident at age 3 as the catalyst. Dave described the change as dramatic, stating, “It was like somebody had flipped a switch. Aneska was a totally different child.”
Accounts from individuals familiar with the Lenardon family from their hometown of Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, corroborate the parents’ account, dismissing any suggestion that their struggles were exaggerated for television. In a neighborhood discussion forum, one commenter expressed support, writing, “[Melanie] is one heck of a mom and I pray she doesn’t get ridiculed for her attempt on getting help for her daughter.”
Source: Facebook
This sentiment was echoed by another local who added, “This family has been [through] enough, let’s support them in this journey and pray this beautiful little girl gets the help she desperately needs.”
Another individual, claiming to be a former colleague of Aneska’s father, shared, “I used to work with the Dad. I knew that there were ‘issues’ at home, but I had no idea they were this extreme. I really hope they can get some relief with the connections the show was able to provide.”
Following the 2016 episode, a person claiming contact with the parents indicated they were “following the experts’ advice to change Aneska’s medication.” This expert advice stemmed from Dr. Bradley Jabour, a physician specializing in neuroradiology at Smart Brain and Health, who reviewed Aneska’s MRI. Dr. Jabour raised the possibility of bipolar disorder or sensory dysregulation disorder, a condition impacting the brain’s ability to process sensory information, as potential factors contributing to Aneska’s behavior.
As of current updates, it remains unclear whether Aneska has received a formal diagnosis of either bipolar disorder or sensory dysregulation disorder. However, the public discourse and updates suggest ongoing efforts to understand and address the challenges she and her family have faced.
