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Self harming/ disabled social worker.

NAS81189

Hi, how do you cope with self harming? 

my 9 year old sons self harming has become worse as the years have gone on. He’s non verbal, autistic, has adhd and learning disabilities. 
he’s always been a self harmer, head butting, hitting himself but now it’s daily, he’s meltdowns are daily, he headbuts walls, windows everything. And if I try to stop him he’ll hurt me or he’s dad, or he’ll come at us. I’m not sure what else I can do to help? 

Will medication help him?

im lost. this week so far he’s bite me, hit, punch and kicked me. I don’t know how I can help him. 

The school have just referred us to children disabled workers as they’ve said they can help, but I’m not sure how. 

  • in reply to NAS81189

    Have you complained? Contact your local PALS. Can your GP get an appointment out of area? There are (or used to be) national services at the Maudsley, Great Ormond Street and probably some regional centres. (I was an NHS manager in London last century!)

  • in reply to Ian

    Hello, 

    Yes I mean a child disabilities social worker. 

    He’s head banging is pretty bad but he won’t wear a helmet we’ve tried. 
    unfortunately he can’t get medication for he’s adhd as cahms have told me there is no doctors at the moment in my area so we’re on a waiting list 

  • in reply to piggy1401

    Sorry to be pedantic, but do you mean a social worker in a Children with Disabilities Team?  Hopefully the social worker will be able to suggest interventions, maybe involving other professionals.  If his head-butting is serious, would he wear one of those foam helmets?  Is he on medication for his ADHD? Although there is no medication to "treat" autism, there are some that have been used to manage behavioural issues - a psychiatrist experienced in complications of ADHD might have some ideas. There might also be cognitive behavioural interventions. I hope you get help.

    There is a number of autistic social workers, some of whom work with autistic service users. Quite a few social workers are disabled ... "people first" language can be confusing at times. Depending on the client group, the clients may choose to be referred to as  "disabled people" or "people with a disability". When I was at college I had a lecturer who insisted on "people with a disability " as the only "correct" form of address. When I asked if that meant that I should refer to her as a "woman with blackness" instead of a black woman she got quite upset ...

  • sounds like he's very frustrated. Not necessarily wanting to hurt himself, just wanting to express his anger. any chance he could rip up paper? or something similar. or maybe get a punch bag, might help him release his anger.

    must be really difficult for you and his dad, i hope things get better soon

    I think that the disabled worker might have seen many children like your son and will perhaps have some ideas that you haven't thought of yet.

    Alisha xx