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Teenager diagnosed with autism

scooby

Hi all.  I'm a single parent of two teenagers and a new member to the site.  I am looking for some guidance or advice please. My 15 year old son was diagnosed with ADHD aged 9 and has now been diagnosed with autism aswell (two weeks ago).  He has taken it very badly and Im overwhelmed and not sure how to deal with him at the moment.  He is just so angry and destructive and the house has been turned into a battlefield on a daily basis.  I just dont know what to say or how to deal with him. Does anyone have any ideas please as I keep breaking down and crying (but not when he can see me).  Many thanks.

  • Hi scooby, I am in a similar situation with my 13 year old, he is really struggling with the diagnosis and I feel i am always having to tread on eggshells around him and worrying about other people upseting him - which is so stressfull.

    People on here have been great and I do feel better after reading posts from others who hav been where we are and are now getting through and things improvng as the child gets older.  Its hard enough being a normal teen let alone having this too. In a lot of ways the diagnosis was a relief as it explained so much, yet at the same time it feels like a life sentence too and thats just me.

    I try and tell myself that he has a disability and cant help the things he does but i do find it drags me down as he is so morose and negative - my opposite - and i cant bear negativity.

    I find th best way is to  be really positive with him, make sure I do his favourite food , have treats to look forward to. Does your son have a special interest like trains or similar? My son is very creative and we try and encourage that - costing a fortune in art supplies though....

    Good that he is in a special school, ours is too and I cant tell you how much that has helped - their whole attitude so different to mainstream and we have much more hope for his education now.

    Hope things will improve for  you and look forward to chatting more on here with you.

  • Thank you for your advice crystal12.  I have done a lot of research on the internet and will def be looking for books on the subject too.  As I said my son has not taken it well at all "its just another label" he says.  I feel for him but dont know how to connect with him over it as he doesnt like to talk about things or even let me hug him.  Its breaking my heart to see him in so much turmoil and Im feel helpless as he wont let me in on his feelings.  Fortunately he attends a special needs school already and they are trying to help too. 

  • Hi scooby - sorry things have turned out the way they have.  Things must be so difficult right now.   Getting diagnosed is often difficult not just for the parents but for some children.  It can take time to adjust to.  There are posts on here from parents on this subject so check them out if you haven't already.  Also I think there are books on the subject.  I don't know if the titles are mentioned in the posts and/or via the home page but if all that fails amazon probably sells them!  

    Others will come along soon who have personal experience of the situation you're in + I'm sure will give helpful advice.  Maybe a book about autistic people who are famous + or clever at whatever they do, left lying around the house, may be of help to your son?