This is quite long-winded so please bare with me. For the majority of my 17 year old sons life, he has had tics and anxiety, been called shy and never really wanted to interact with others. He broke down last year and admitted he was having compulsions and intrusive thoughts. We spoke to the GP who put a referral into CAMHS immediately but warned of a long waiting list. They spoke to him and duagnised severe OCD.In the meantime, after being fobbed off for years we paid for a private assessment for Autism and he was confirmed as being Autistic. This was a relief to start with but now I feel unsure what will happen now. The mental health team rang last week after the Autism Service chased them up and they are trying to get him to the top of the list and get CBT asap. His current compulsions are handwashing repeatedly, not able to use the bathroom due to contamination OCD so he uses a bowl and body wash and shampoo which soaks the floor as he can't stand close to the edge of the bowl. He sprays antibacterial spray on everything, including electrical items and got a shock last week, has to run around the house talking and counting, he flicks the switches on the lights continually. He can't go near the bin or dirty washing basket. He has left college 2 months before his exams as he knows he won't be able to cope even with adaptations as he has to wash his hands so often and the presence of others is too much for him. Hopefully he can get CBT soon but my question really is 'what then?'. Should I be encouraging him to do some form of study? I know he isn't able to work, paid or voluntarily at the moment? Will he be eligible for any financial help relating to his conditions as with bills getting higher and me being a single parent, I will be losing child benefit and maintenance when he turns 18 next month. Will he have to pay council tax? I work full time and am not entitled to any government help based on my salary. So many questions really but not really sure who to talk to for advice? Any help or advice about anything gratefully received!
