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20-year-old son diagnosed with autism

Mr_Indeed_Autism

My son was diagnosed with autism about 2-3  years ago when he was 17. It was a late diagnosis - up until the pandemic he managed in state school and was performing well academically. The pandemic massively affected him and he was not able to complete his GCSEs.

However since then he has completed his A Levels at private school but wasn’t able to thrive at university and left after a month. He is only able to work very part time for a family member. He started to learn to drive but could not continue.

My wife and I have changed the way we work so as to ensure there is always someone at home to support him.

Our son attends a social support group once a week, and when he is feeling more confident/less anxious can look after himself, socialise, enjoy going out etc. However he suffers from mood swings, low mood, exhaustion, etc.

However, he does not accept his diagnosis.

Is anyone else going through this? Or been through it?

Thanks.

Parents

  • Since you put it in a bigger font, I assume you feel him not accepting the diagnosis is a major issue.

    What does he think the diagnosis means? He may think it has some stigma or negative connotations, perhaps he really doesn't  want to be different, perhaps he doesn't believe, or can't see that there he has any problems. I'd try to understand his thinking.

    What do you think would change if he did accept it?

    Are you hoping he would adapt to his circumstances and find better workarounds? But perhaps these could be done anyway by focusing on the symptoms, without giving a name to the overall condition. The end result would be similar.

  • in reply to Stuart333

    I feel it's a major issue - not for myself, though. I feel it would make his life a bit easier if he at least acknowledged it.

    He doesn't say specifically why he dislikes it so much.

    I'll try focusing on the symptoms in the meantime though.

    Thanks.

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