Published on 12, July, 2020
Looking for some support/insight. My partner is autistic (recently diagnosed) and has become obsessed with the Coronavirus debate. He consumes every item of media he can - Radio 4 on the alarm clock, 24 hr news in the background (both currently working from home), listening to podcasts whilst cooking/doing chores, news are on when we’re having dinner. I might be able to wrangle one hour’s worth of a TV programme out of him. He is extremely anxious about food shopping and is self- medicating quite heavily at the moment. I suffer from OCD and my compulsive behaviour and rumination have worsened over the last few weeks. i know that this has now become a special interest and I can’t expect him to just ‘snap out of it’ but is there anything that helps others distract themselves? I have compiled a monthly plan of activities and weekly plan but he does not want to engage with that. I feel utterly drained by it all - we talk about nothing else - and my mental health is worsening to the point where I am now shutting down. many thanks in advance and stay well everyone x
My son is autistic. His special interest is trains. I allow him a certain amount of time to explore his interest, eg, 90 mins at the local train station every other day 60 mins watching YouTube videos in the morning and after school. I think as long as he knows the boundaries or the rules you give him he will accept this. Try limiting the time he spends immersed in his interest, limit the sources to just radio for example or watching the updates on a certain news channel.
You know what will work for him because you know him best but he does need guidance and rules.
Thank you very much.