My 2 sons

Hi Jules, welcome.

It's good that your son is now facing up to the reality of his problems.  It's a shame that it took a crisis like that to bring it to the fore, but I think that is common for many people with developmental or mental health conditions.  As you say, society doesn't want to listen much of the time, and I think this often leads people to bury their heads in the sand because the potential for stigma can be so very frightening.  It must be particularly scary for someone discovering their diagnosis slap bang in the middle of puberty - it's hardly the easiest time for many people, even in the best of circumstances.

Your son may not be ready for it yet, but do consider seeing if he will join some places like this himself.  Nothing has helped me more than being able to go on-line anonymously and discover other people who share experiences that I once though were unique to me.  It really helps to combat the feeling that one is alone and facing a world that will never understand us - plus of course, all of the practical tips for managing our traits more easily.

Best wishes.

Hi Jules, welcome.

It's good that your son is now facing up to the reality of his problems.  It's a shame that it took a crisis like that to bring it to the fore, but I think that is common for many people with developmental or mental health conditions.  As you say, society doesn't want to listen much of the time, and I think this often leads people to bury their heads in the sand because the potential for stigma can be so very frightening.  It must be particularly scary for someone discovering their diagnosis slap bang in the middle of puberty - it's hardly the easiest time for many people, even in the best of circumstances.

Your son may not be ready for it yet, but do consider seeing if he will join some places like this himself.  Nothing has helped me more than being able to go on-line anonymously and discover other people who share experiences that I once though were unique to me.  It really helps to combat the feeling that one is alone and facing a world that will never understand us - plus of course, all of the practical tips for managing our traits more easily.

Best wishes.