Lonely and in need of some support

Hi, I have a son who is 18 years old. I guess i've known for a while that something wasnt quite right. He had all sorts of assessments carried out in primary school but they were all academic and all showed that he was above average academicaly but about a year ago, he told me he "felt like a freak" as he was so different from other people in his school year. He has spent a year undergoing all sorts of assessments, he's been told he has social anxiety disorder, may have aspergers, no he doesnt, he's seen psychiatrists, and now waiting an assessment for High Functioning Autism. I need some help and support. He lives in his bedroom, he is doing a 6th form course but other than that he has no contact with anyone.  people keep telling me that i am in the wrong for lettting him stay in his room and for not making him go to certain family functions etc. I know that he has panic attacks if he has to face certain situations and Its been noted that he may be depressed. His biological dad asks very little about him, is easier to just let him stay in his room and have no contact with him. My new partner thinks I'm too soft on him and should make him socialise when necessary. I've also been told been I'm uncaring and inconsiderate peoplehave said that one day I will come home and find him "hanging". such comments are almost unbearable and as i type this I am in tears!  I feel so alone. I just dont know what to do for the best. I am terrified that I may do the wrong thing and push my son over the edge. I feel he doesnt feel understood as it is and i'm so scared to do the wrong thing. I so need to speak with people in the same boat as me..... I feel so alone and so useless where my son is concerned. I just need some help and guidance.....this is all new to me and i'm trying to cope with it all alone. please help me 

Parents
  • I think SC's gut instinct is right here and I agree with all HC has to say. The trouble is that he has to persuade his partner and everyone else that their gut instinct is wrong. Gut instinct, on its own, won't prevail. :-( There is lots of stuff on the  website here that is worth reading and there are books that you can read to get insights.

    Assuming he has Aspergers then he is likely to be better in one to one situations rather than groups. Groups can be overwhelming due to the excessive amount of sound and speech and visual stuff that goes on there. If you can talk to him in quiet calm situations then he might find this easier to manage.

Reply
  • I think SC's gut instinct is right here and I agree with all HC has to say. The trouble is that he has to persuade his partner and everyone else that their gut instinct is wrong. Gut instinct, on its own, won't prevail. :-( There is lots of stuff on the  website here that is worth reading and there are books that you can read to get insights.

    Assuming he has Aspergers then he is likely to be better in one to one situations rather than groups. Groups can be overwhelming due to the excessive amount of sound and speech and visual stuff that goes on there. If you can talk to him in quiet calm situations then he might find this easier to manage.

Children
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