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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

  • Our son is going through the exact same thing, though he is not getting out at all, staying in his room 24/7.  He is 19, got his diagnosis about 3 years ago, accepts it, but is starting to think it's not really helping him to even know that he has it, whereas not too long ago he was shouting from the roof tops that he has Autism.  We moved to Rome for him to go to Uni and he has since dropped out, it was all too much for him.  Now we have bought a house and are living in Rome.

    What is the social support group that your son attends every week?  I'd be appreciative if you let me know about that.

    My son Austin would love a friend to chat with one on one, if your son is up for it.  

    Thank you for your story, I completely understand how you feel.

  • in reply to Annabell2025

    This sounds very similar to my son, although he does go out sometimes, even if it's just round the corner to get lunch. He's on his laptop playing games a lot which he says helps him. He also went to university away from home, but dropped out after a month.

    Do you mind me asking where you moved from, before going to Rome? It sounds like a massive upheaval.

    Sure. It's the local Mind group for teens and young adults. He used to love going there but people have moved on and the dynamics are different now. :-(

    I'd love to be able to say yes, but I think my son will not go for it. I'll definitely try though. What does Austin like? Tom's into writing and sci-fi.

    Thanks for replying too - it's helpful to know there's someone else going through the same thing. 

  • in reply to Mr_Indeed_Autism

    Hi and thanks for the reply!  We moved from the Netherlands before coming to Rome, we were there for 2 years whilst Austin finished high school before that we were in the UK for 10+ years.  Is the local Mind group in person or online?  I'd be interested to know the details on that if it's online.  You can ask Tom, no worries if he doesn't want to talk to Austin one on one, I get it.  Austin likes maps, minecraft, Dr Who, writing and drawing.  Thanks again for writing back!

  • in reply to Karin Mod

    Sorry about that, thanks for pointing it out.

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