• Replies 5 replies
  • Subscribers 83 subscribers
  • Views 1692 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Autistic young person struggling with feeling good enough

Tired

My son is 19 yrs old. He was diagnosed in his early teens. Despite his outward confidence, he struggles with self esteem, confidence and mental health. He feels he is never going to be good enough, not a real man, not as capable as other young people his age, not achieving in the way they do, will never have a relationship or role in this world. He wants to die, but says he isn't even brave enough to make that happen. He's  breaking my heart and I am beyond worried for him. I've tried to explain that lots of 19yr olds feel this way, we don't suddenly turn into an adult when we hit 18! He has no friends, and no desire to go out and meet people. I wish there were safe local groups for young people like him to attend, just to meet similar people and see that he's not alone. We're in the South East and I'm yet to find anything he can attend. He's stuck in online worlds and forums, which I don't think are good for his mental health. Any advice would be gratefully received. 

Parents

  • Hi I'm Daniela, I'm 17 and was diagnosed early teens.

    The last few years I've struggled with all of the above and especially trying to achieve like others my age and in my classes. It can be upsetting when you want to do and be like the others but are unable to.

    I've since learnt that it's okay. You don't have to be like the coolest and prettiest girls in class you just have to be yourself and do what makes you happy. It just makes you unhappiness and stressed trying to do what others have done and are doing.

    Try to show him that he's ok as he is and needs to do the things that make him happy.

    I've also looked for groups local for myself but nothing around.

    I've also no friends, I know how hard that is so I'm sorry for him x

    I hope things get better.

Reply

  • Hi I'm Daniela, I'm 17 and was diagnosed early teens.

    The last few years I've struggled with all of the above and especially trying to achieve like others my age and in my classes. It can be upsetting when you want to do and be like the others but are unable to.

    I've since learnt that it's okay. You don't have to be like the coolest and prettiest girls in class you just have to be yourself and do what makes you happy. It just makes you unhappiness and stressed trying to do what others have done and are doing.

    Try to show him that he's ok as he is and needs to do the things that make him happy.

    I've also looked for groups local for myself but nothing around.

    I've also no friends, I know how hard that is so I'm sorry for him x

    I hope things get better.

Children
No Data