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Low mood/depression in 6-year-old

Michelle&Sam

Hi everyone!

We have just been on a 3 week holiday abroad with my 6-year-old son, with ASD. 

I was a bit shocked and saddened by some of his thoughts and comments while away. 

These included things like:

  • What is wrong with my brain
  • I hate myself
  • Why am I sad all the time
  • Why am I not like other children 
  • I have bad thoughts
  • I'll hurt myself to make it better

I had no idea that a 6 year old (he only turned 6 a week ago) was capable of understanding the brain and the concepts he came out with.

He does not sleep well, he is scared of the dark and 'his imagination in his own words. Last night, when putting him to bed, I played classical meditation sleep music. He started crying and asked my why thr music makes him so sad.

I am now really worried about his mental state. We are in Scotland, and due to the long waiting lists went private to get his diagnoses. I would imagine getting NHS help with this would be the same. So here is my question:

A) who should we go and see (this will be private again)

B) has anyone else experienced this in their child?

Thank you,

Michelle

Parents

  • Do you think the change of routine of the holidays could have exacerbated his anxiety? I'm autistic too and I find change of routine and going away extremely stressful and unsettling- regardless though, it is worrying that he is feeling this way. Have you explained to him about being autistic? When I was 6 I definitely was aware that  I was different to other children and my mum could tell too (because I think she had experienced similar herself)- She did a very good job of pointing out the positives of being different and I almost felt  proud- as I got older it got harder to come to terms with as the differences became more noticable and I didn't know I was autistic at the time so I felt like such a failure that I could not fit in and was so weird- I was only diagnosed at age 25, but it definitely helps to know that you are autistic. Do you think it could help your son if you explained to him about being autistic and all the positives? Maybe that will help him accept himself the way he is and realise that there is 'nothing wrong' with him and that different does not mean broken? It might also help if he could meet some other autistic children? I'm not sure. I really hope you find a good professional to advise you. 

  • in reply to Ann :)

    Thanks Ann, yes I think the change of scene has undoubtedly had an impact. I am trying to explain it to him in bite-sized chuncks when he is in a good and calm mood. He seems to sometimes get it and other times he simply says "I don't want to talk about it"

    I am going to start with the GP and hope it goes well from there!

  • in reply to Michelle&Sam

    That sounds like a good plan. Good luck! I also remember seeing several posts a while ago on ideas on how to talk about being autistic to children- I think people suggested some picture books and stories too that might be useful. It might be a good idea to either look for those posts or to just post again and ask people on this forum for ideas- There is a lot of knowledge in this community :) 

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  • in reply to Michelle&Sam

    That sounds like a good plan. Good luck! I also remember seeing several posts a while ago on ideas on how to talk about being autistic to children- I think people suggested some picture books and stories too that might be useful. It might be a good idea to either look for those posts or to just post again and ask people on this forum for ideas- There is a lot of knowledge in this community :) 

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