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Isolated teenager

NAS67088

Hi this is my first post so hopefuly I've done this right! My 15 year old son was diagnosed with aspergers last year, he struggles socially and finds it difficult to talk to people. I cant get him to attend any clubs etc. He has told us he feels lonely. Can anyone give me some advice thank you. 

Parents

  • This is something I relate to - I think it would be good if you could find him a group which connects him with others with Aspergers in his age group because those on the spectrum generally connect better with others with autism, as there is a shared understanding of the issues faced etc and he wouldn’t feel like the ‘weird kid’ which was often how I felt when surrounded by other neurotypical people. I’m sure NAS could point you towards resources in your area, though many will be closed due to lockdown, but once restrictions are lifted that’s a way forward. What I would say and by all means share my experience with him is that life only gets lonelier and tougher with time, and now as a young adult, I regret not pushing myself out there more as a teen, it led to me becoming more and more removed from those around me and contributed to depression, anxiety and some bad decisions including an attempt on my own life. I’ve seen it happen in others too - so I know I’m not alone. Please don’t take thus experience as me casting a gloomy forecast over his future, I don’t want that, rather I hope you and he can use this as the driver to address this whilst he has the best chance to do so and take on board the realisation that he needs to push himself out there a little more. It isn’t easy to address loneliness - but if he can take one tip it is that now is the time to act, else it only gets harder - and believe me I deal with loneliness on a daily basis. 

  • in reply to Anthony

    Thank you, yes I would like to do this asap as I worry about his future. I will have a look for some support groups in my area thanks again

  • in reply to NAS67088

    NAS used to have a resource where you could type in your postcode and it brought up a list of facilities in that area. May be worth contacting the NAS helpline for signposting on this. I really hope he can turn things around - good luck to you both. 

  • in reply to NAS67088

    Good call, I hope it all works out :)

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