Hitting a low now

Hi - sometimes I think the word "stress" doesn't do things justice.  It's become one of those words that can mean almost anything, such as "I was stressed because the bus was 2 mins late." This kind of stress is different, it is serious and chronic for all concerned, inc your little 1.  Obviously you have to keep pushing for a diagnosis so you can hopefully get the support that you need.  But as mentioned above it will only go so far to help.  I don't know enough about your circumstances to comment in detail, so anything I say which you are already doing, then I apologise for.  Have you sussed out the triggers that distress your son and are you able to avoid at least some of them for some of the time?  Also there may be reasons why he "hates" somebody.  It may not be hate, it may be his use of language is limited so he uses the words he knows.  Whilst we recognise the alarm box for what it is, he may not so I can understand him thinking it was watching him.  The world is very confusing for him in many ways and that reflects in his behaviour.  If you don't already then keep a diary to try and discover what triggers his distress/physical attacks.  Sometimes you can see a pattern from this.  I do feel for you all, it is clear how much you are all suffering. Altho you're still having to wait for a diagnosis I think you should strike out on your own and try and relate to your child as an individual with autism.  Obviously this is no panacea but may help to some degree.  I wd also talk to the school to see if there is anything more they can do to help, if you haven't already.  All this is so anxious and depressing for everyone.  To say it affects the whole family doesn't do it justice.  The only other thing I can suggest is that you pester everyone you can think of to push for the diagnosis to be speeded up.  Write to the Chair and Chief Exec of the NHS Trust that CAMHS comes under, stating clearly how hard things are for all of you.  Write to your mp about the long waiting list.  I know you're probably groaning inwardly about having to keep pressing on when you feel worn out but somehow you've got to keep at it.  I know, I've been there, tee-shirt etc.  One other thing, beta blockers are good for preventing panic attacks and they aren't addictive at all and can be taken "as and when necessary", within limits of course.  I really really hope something gives for you all soon.

Hi - sometimes I think the word "stress" doesn't do things justice.  It's become one of those words that can mean almost anything, such as "I was stressed because the bus was 2 mins late." This kind of stress is different, it is serious and chronic for all concerned, inc your little 1.  Obviously you have to keep pushing for a diagnosis so you can hopefully get the support that you need.  But as mentioned above it will only go so far to help.  I don't know enough about your circumstances to comment in detail, so anything I say which you are already doing, then I apologise for.  Have you sussed out the triggers that distress your son and are you able to avoid at least some of them for some of the time?  Also there may be reasons why he "hates" somebody.  It may not be hate, it may be his use of language is limited so he uses the words he knows.  Whilst we recognise the alarm box for what it is, he may not so I can understand him thinking it was watching him.  The world is very confusing for him in many ways and that reflects in his behaviour.  If you don't already then keep a diary to try and discover what triggers his distress/physical attacks.  Sometimes you can see a pattern from this.  I do feel for you all, it is clear how much you are all suffering. Altho you're still having to wait for a diagnosis I think you should strike out on your own and try and relate to your child as an individual with autism.  Obviously this is no panacea but may help to some degree.  I wd also talk to the school to see if there is anything more they can do to help, if you haven't already.  All this is so anxious and depressing for everyone.  To say it affects the whole family doesn't do it justice.  The only other thing I can suggest is that you pester everyone you can think of to push for the diagnosis to be speeded up.  Write to the Chair and Chief Exec of the NHS Trust that CAMHS comes under, stating clearly how hard things are for all of you.  Write to your mp about the long waiting list.  I know you're probably groaning inwardly about having to keep pressing on when you feel worn out but somehow you've got to keep at it.  I know, I've been there, tee-shirt etc.  One other thing, beta blockers are good for preventing panic attacks and they aren't addictive at all and can be taken "as and when necessary", within limits of course.  I really really hope something gives for you all soon.