Thanks Robert123. Thats helpful. He likes watching funny you tube videos (internet settings are safe) and listening to music. Also plays on his xbox.
We have learnt over the years that if he feels at all pushed then he wont engage. As a result we have gone the other way and things are stagnating.
I think that your suggestion to get him involved without him realising is a great one - I am just stuck as to how we actually do this.
Sometimes he doesnt mind me joining him on his xbox.
Im just not being imaginative and would welcome others experiences of what works for them?
Just a few warnings.
"Internet settings are safe". Ha ha ha. To many autistics and NTs, safe internet settings are seen as a challenge to get round and see what is being hidden.
Young female visitors. They should be aware in advance of your son's problems.
Pets, intention is to get person to engage. But danger is that opposite might occur and dogs may attack or person can have panic attack or meltdown. Suggest you visit an animal charity and watch his reaction.
Try to find out what he does when he 'isolates himself' and build on his current interests, don't try to force him to go to clubs which he doesn't want to go to. This can cause more stress for him and even more withdrawal.
At least life is calm ( lucky you).
You will have to be tactful and try to get him involved with something, without him realising what is being done.
More radical suggestions, for an 18 year old
Invite young female visitors found. (Be tactful)
Or see if he is interested in pets (cats or dogs).
Hi any ideas how I can help support my 18 year lad? He has ASC and spends most of his time in his room. He does go to school but has no friends and doesnt talk to anyone at school. He has disengaged from his school work also. When he comes home he isolates himself.
Over the years we have tried different approaches. Certainly if he feels he is being pushed to do something that wont work. But we are in the situation now where life is calm because he is not having to interact with the outside world (apart from school days).
I would like to help him try and engage a little. We have suggested clubs etc but he is not really able to take part. He will come out to the cinema which is great.
He comes across as extremely shy. Dont think he is depressed.
