Published on 12, July, 2020
My son is 5, diagnosed ASD with anxiety related demand avoidance and severe sensory struggles.
When he first started school last September he was on a massively reduced timetable and based out of the nurture cabin - his behavior massively improved as he left nursery which he hated.
Fast forward to now and he's on 4 full days, still based out of the nurture cabin but is encouraged to the main class more - but all led by him. But his behavior has declined again, and his anxiety is through the roof. I know school is the problem and I'm going to tribunal to try and get him into a special school.
However, my main concern at the minute, behavior aside - is he just doesn't want to do anything, doesn't want to go outside, ride his bike, play with his cars, play with his brother - absolutely nothing. These are all things he previously really enjoyed. He will happily sit on his tablet all weekend (which is an internal debate of mine!). He looks so sad. He is also much more sensitive to his sensory triggers.
I don't know if he is in burnout? Should I just let him do nothing if he is in recovery time from school?
School have agreed to some changes to reduce the demand and overwhelm of school, so hopefully that will help but I'm assuming it will take time for me to see his overall anxiety reduce and wellbeing improve? We have a low demand approach at home already and it's at his lowest at the moment.
It just makes me so sad and I don't know the best approach, and it obviously impacts the whole family including his younger brother, as we don't go out and do family things like we did previously - and it was only ever walks and parks and things away from people!
Just after advice really about what could be going on for him and what is the best way to support him.
Thank you x
Life for an autistic child is full of many changes and can be very distressing especially if he's about to be starting school. I'm with the others, get in touch with the GP, see if you can get him some specialist help, someone who understands autism and can help him and give you advice too.
Touay said:Sounds like depression.
It could be this or it could be PDA making him shrink from everything making its demands on him.
My advice would be to engage with a child psychologist with a track record of working with young autistic children. The school may be able to hook you up with one, but I suspect you are better off sourcing one yourself.
The sudden onset of demands from starting school are probably contributing to a version of burnout which is compounding the issue. Luckily at this age they can catch up on the learning quickly once a better environment is found.
Good luck.
I changed when I was 5 or so. Used to play out, then stayed in. I also became anxious around the same age.I remained happy though.
It may not be the same but hope this is of use.
Sounds like depression. Perhaps the GP can get you on the route to some therapy - help to identify the cause and strategies to assist?