• Replies 7 replies
  • Subscribers 35 subscribers
  • Views 554 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Husband struggling with probable Neurodiversity

NAS75657

My husband is in his early 50’s.  Since our Son was diagnosed with Autism he has realised he is probably Autistic or Neurodiverse too. I believe it’s effecting his mental health but he won’t get assessed for it as I believe he thinks it means there is something wrong with him and he’s family with think that too and maybe treat him even less well than they do now. Anyone been through similar or can offer any advice to him or me?

Parents

  • Hi and welcome to the forum.

    Getting assessed won't necessarily help his mental health - it helps some people to make sense of why they always felt "different", but for others it can cause issues with their sense of identity and/or self esteem.

    I have not pursued a formal diagnosis, but learning about autism helped me to understand myself and my partner better and change how I dealt with some things to make my life easier and less stressful.

    Many people on the spectrum struggle with their mental health - sometimes they need medication, sometimes therapy helps, sometimes they find a way to help themselves. If your husband is struggling with his mental health I would recommend he speaks to his doctor to discuss options. He doesn't have to tell his family about that.

    I'm sure you will want to learn more about autism to support your son, and you can share things you learn with your husband which may then help him understand himself better too.

Reply

  • Hi and welcome to the forum.

    Getting assessed won't necessarily help his mental health - it helps some people to make sense of why they always felt "different", but for others it can cause issues with their sense of identity and/or self esteem.

    I have not pursued a formal diagnosis, but learning about autism helped me to understand myself and my partner better and change how I dealt with some things to make my life easier and less stressful.

    Many people on the spectrum struggle with their mental health - sometimes they need medication, sometimes therapy helps, sometimes they find a way to help themselves. If your husband is struggling with his mental health I would recommend he speaks to his doctor to discuss options. He doesn't have to tell his family about that.

    I'm sure you will want to learn more about autism to support your son, and you can share things you learn with your husband which may then help him understand himself better too.

Children