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How to help adult son

Reggie

I have a 30 year-old son who I believe is autistic. Looking back he was probably showing some signs as a young child but as a teenager became very withdrawn and had difficulty socializing and making friends. As an adult he finds it difficult to talk to anyone, cannot make eye contact and cannot explain his feelings or seem to  understand the feelings of others. He is working but spends all the rest of his time in the computer. I have mentioned to him that I believe he is autistic to him and that we should get some advice and diagnosis to help him but he refuses.

Unfortunately his father died unexpectedly recently and this has put all our lives in disarray. I do not know how to move forward  as decisions have to be made which my son will not discuss or be drawn into.  

I would like advice on how to help my son and how to go about getting a diagnosis when he's not willing.

Thank you

Parents

  • Dear Reggie,

    Welcome to the online community, it is really great to have you here. 

    To the best of my knowledge in the UK your son would need to consent to have a diagnostic assessment unless he had limited capacity. It could be worth explaining to your son why you feel he may be autistic, but if he does not want a diagnosis it could be harmful to try and push him. The NAS have an advice and guidance page on How to bring up that you think someone may be autistic that might help in how to start the conversation with your son

    I am very sorry to hear about your son's father it must be very hard for the family to process. It may be worth taking a look at Bereavement as it has some advice on how to manage this. 

    Best wishes,

    Olivia Mod

Reply

  • Dear Reggie,

    Welcome to the online community, it is really great to have you here. 

    To the best of my knowledge in the UK your son would need to consent to have a diagnostic assessment unless he had limited capacity. It could be worth explaining to your son why you feel he may be autistic, but if he does not want a diagnosis it could be harmful to try and push him. The NAS have an advice and guidance page on How to bring up that you think someone may be autistic that might help in how to start the conversation with your son

    I am very sorry to hear about your son's father it must be very hard for the family to process. It may be worth taking a look at Bereavement as it has some advice on how to manage this. 

    Best wishes,

    Olivia Mod

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