Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi,
Our 11 year old daughter is ASD and has an anxiety disorder. She hasn't been to school for months. We are in the process of trying to get her an EHPC to go to a special school which can provide for her needs. She's very bright. Our main problem is that she resists doing anything she doesn't want to do to the point that she won't leave her room. Getting her to eat is a problem since she's been on sertraline which has helped her anxiety but taken her appetite away. I've tried getting her to leave her room to eat but she'll literally not eat or drink all day so I end up taking food to her in her room facilitating her not leaving it but I feel like a bad parent if she's hungry and thirsty. She won't tidy her room but freaks out if I try to. She generally shouts at us every time we go in there. She locked herself in the bathroom for 7 hours the other day because we said she had to take a screen break. She's obviously unhappy but we also feel she manipulates us. We don't know where to turn or what strategies to try any more.
Hi there, I know this post is old, but I have a daughter who is going through exactly the same thing - you could be writing about her. She has ASD also. Does it ever get better for you or any of the other people who replied here? Sometimes I feel so desperate and sad. Thanks.
I'm so sorry you're going through this. She has dropped out of both mainstream school and the special ed school she had a place with eventually. She not has a tutor 2 days a week and would say she's happier. She still is predominantly in her room though. I'm less hard on myself too and that might be the key for you. Are you getting any support or therapy from anywhere. We had to pay for anything like that in the end. Big hugs to you.
Thank you :-) I think being less hard on yourself is key - sometimes I feel like I'm to blame even though that isn't true. I'm paying for her to get therapy and she is going on meds shortly. The psychiatrist said she has severe depression and anxiety. I'm hoping things will pick up for her over time and with patience. I'm not getting any therapy as I'm paying privately so just have to pay for her for now. I'm okay, staying as strong as I can and I have a good support network.