Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello my 15 year old son has recently been diagnosed with autism and has been suffering from a significant burnout. Previously he had what at the time I believed to be panic attacks but now he is having massive meltdowns which are really scary. During them he is completely out of control, self injures, shouts out disturbing intrusive thoughts and does odd things like hiding under mats, comando crawling along the floor. Is this sort of behaviour usual during a meltdown? Has anyone experienced something similar? I am concerned he has other MH conditions. Trying to seek psychiatric support via CAMHS which is just hopeless.
Thank you for sharing what you do! My son isn’t at school at the moment as it’s just too much. He’s generally managing day to day and I do some of the thing you suggest (mit’s try fidget toys!) but I’m concerned by the type of meltdowns that have developed and just wondered if anyone had experienced something similar.
That sounds lovely! My son has had art therapy in the past which he loved we might return to that but I feel like we need some special autism therapy /psychiatry first
Sorry I should have mentioned also. My son see a therapist who specialises in autism. He loves it as it’s at a farm and he helps groom the horses and he does a few jobs. It’s a great distraction which helps him to have a conversation about what’s going on in his world.
Hi Imogen
My son has meltdowns from masking all day at school. I distract him by doing things with him he can get lost in and enjoy. I also try to keep a routine in the evening before bed. Hot horlicks drink, hot water bottle and weighted blanket. I also give him a selection of fidget toys in bed. A lot of the time though I think they just need to get it out and move on, it’s not nice when they are in that moment I agree.
Sorry I couldn’t be of more help but if I figure it out I’ll let you know
Good luck
Thank you
I found a good therapist through the directory on the "Psychology Today" website. Perhaps try there. I think the NAS also has a directory somewhere.
Thank you for the advice - yes agree re NHS!!
1. try to minimise the triggers. Lighting, sound, textures of clothes, food, number of people / conversations going on etc...
2. Private consult is the way to go, if you can afford it. The NHS is utterly f-ing useless. I say 'consult', because the purpose would be to get an autism experts opinion on the best route forward.