Published on 12, July, 2020
My son is 23 years old and was diagnosed with Aspergers when he was 18. He left school 7 years ago and has never has a regular job. He is a recluse, has no friends and suffers from terrible anxiety and frustration. He has mild dyspraxia too. He feels his life is a complete disaster and that he has no future. He didn't really get much in the way of qualifications and now whats to get help with all aspects. I have tried numerous times searching the internet but all the advise and support always seems to come back to children or adults with learning difficulties. Has anyone got any knowledge or stories to share with tips on where to get help for him. He hates people and is very angry with the world. I am very worried about his mental health.
My son has recently been diagnosed with Aspergers aged 22. Like you whenever I Google for support it always seems to be for children. My son has joined a support group thru the NAS which he is finding helpful although it is only for about 8 weeks. Perhaps your son could enrol on a foundation course in something like photography, computing or art & design? If he advised the college of his diagnosis they will have support available for him and there are also counselling services available at college. As a parent we all want to do our very best for our children but sometimes we just don't know what that is, especially when they are older. I hope you both find the help and support that you need.
If you are in England their is support out their. most of it is purposely restricted or hidden from public knowledge and requires a referral from either a social worker or doctor to access it. Most General practitioner do not spend enough time looking into and will often deceive you into believing their are very little they can do and its just not true.
The best advice I can give you as an adult on the autism spectrum who is 25 years old who has gone through a needs assessment process myself and have greatly benefited from it. Your best option is to make a request for a needs assessment through you local authority which legally they cannot deny once requested. The needs assessments are often carried out by social worker and sometimes mental health nurses which will identify area of support that is needed. these area are dependant on your children's needs. they can help them access education and employment, assist and find social inclusion, work towards independence & rehousing if needed & even help with accessing mental health treatment.
If your child was diagnosed as an adult their is post autism support that may be accessible through your nearest NHS trust which will work on accepting the diagnosis, reasonable adaption and coping strategies which may benefit.
Avoid schemes like the health and work programmes often operated by the Shawtrust they don't benefit or help us, they'll mess your adult children around or indirectly force them into some really bad workplaces or give really bad advice.
in the east of England their is organisation called "Genius Within" that may help here is the link : https://www.geniuswithin.co.uk/
The Princes Trust Team programme is really hit and miss in some areas but may improve their confidents.
Your local authority may have their own employment scheme that works with individuals with autism, adhd and mental health disorder get back into work, it worth while looking into.
bummer
We are in Scotland and there doesn't seem to be the same level of support here as there is in England which is a shame.