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Son diagnosed Autism Level 1 at age 23

NSO

Good afternoon, I hope that someone can guide on how to approach my son after diagnosis. He was diagnosed 5 days ago and as soon as I try to talk about what I have been researching he becomes overwhelmed.

He was diagnosed with ADHD back in 2022 and only after suffering from social anxiety, depression and IBS the youth mental health team started to suspect the autism. This has now been confirm and we were told to contact the GP and ask for an autism support package. I have made the appointment but I am clueless and have no idea which support or how much support he can get.

He currently has been living with me and his little sister after suspending Uni when he had 8 months left to finish his degree, it's been nearly two years and it does not seem he will ever return. I had breast cancer last year and it has become crucial that he becomes an independent adult because I do not know how the future will look like for me. It has also  been very difficult to live with him as since he is back home his attitude has become aggressive to the point I barely talk to him.

I want to help him but I am not sure I am the right mother for him, I am not sure I have the patience any longer.

Parents

  • if hes got level 1 autism he can still interact with people well enough, does he have any clubs or social groups he goes to, if hes aggressive and frustrated going a martial arts club could be a good way for him to find somthing he enjoys while focusing his energy in a productive way 

  • in reply to citroen71
    citroen71 said:
    if hes got level 1 autism he can still interact with people well enough

    I fully appreciate that your reply is well-intentioned. But I’m afraid it relies on an ableist assumption and over-generalisation.

    The levels (provided only under DSM diagnoses) are:

    • 3 - Requiring very substantial support
    • 2 - Requiring substantial support
    • 1 - Requiring support

    These represent levels of support needs in respect of autism. They aren’t a more general measure of functional capabilities, and they don’t take any co-occurring conditions into account.

    It’s not safe to assume that all autistic people with level 1 support needs can necessarily “still interact with people well enough”. That minimises autism. All autistic people, by definition, have differences (medically, “deficits”) in respect of social interaction and social communication. (NSO also shared that her son struggles with social anxiety).

    It’s also not safe to assume that someone with level 1 support needs necessarily either wants to, or can, socialise more (including getting involved with clubs or activities). 

    Hopefully my reply to NSO helps to explain more. I don’t mean to be rude here, so please don’t take offence. And, again, I don’t doubt - at all - your kind intentions.

Reply
  • in reply to citroen71
    citroen71 said:
    if hes got level 1 autism he can still interact with people well enough

    I fully appreciate that your reply is well-intentioned. But I’m afraid it relies on an ableist assumption and over-generalisation.

    The levels (provided only under DSM diagnoses) are:

    • 3 - Requiring very substantial support
    • 2 - Requiring substantial support
    • 1 - Requiring support

    These represent levels of support needs in respect of autism. They aren’t a more general measure of functional capabilities, and they don’t take any co-occurring conditions into account.

    It’s not safe to assume that all autistic people with level 1 support needs can necessarily “still interact with people well enough”. That minimises autism. All autistic people, by definition, have differences (medically, “deficits”) in respect of social interaction and social communication. (NSO also shared that her son struggles with social anxiety).

    It’s also not safe to assume that someone with level 1 support needs necessarily either wants to, or can, socialise more (including getting involved with clubs or activities). 

    Hopefully my reply to NSO helps to explain more. I don’t mean to be rude here, so please don’t take offence. And, again, I don’t doubt - at all - your kind intentions.

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