Seperation anxiety? Help

Hi, I wondered if anyone could offer some advice as I am at the end of my tether and feel I am going to lose it very soon. My 3.5yr old diagnosed with autism last year is getting more and more hard work. He used to be so good and would play happily whilst I got on with meals, housework etc but the last month, whenever I leave the room (eg to have a shower, wash up) he screams to high heaven, ends up sweating and blotchy. It is not just a tantrum he is so distressed and gets in a state. He loves being in the garden but now if I dont sit out there with him he screams, slams doors etc.  He cannot talk at all so I understand it is frustrating for him but I feel so down as I am on my own with him. I dread the start of every day because of this, I cant get ready for work and have given up trying to do anything. I have tried to just ignore him and let him cry it out but he is so distressed and he screams so hysterically I am sure my neighbours must think I am mistreating him.  I have tried to think what may have triggered this but cannot think, except he went to stay at his Dads at Easter and apparently woke up miserable the next morning there but this is the only thing I can think of. My patience wears thin sometimes as it is relentless, he starts preschool next week and I am so worried this is going to make him worse. On my days off we always do nice things and he is very good when we go out its just at home. I know it is hard when they cannot communicate, I have tried picture exchange but he can only do the basics.  I always tell him what I am going to do next so I dont just disappear from sight but this makes him worse. Do I just ignore his screams and walk out the room??? Please any suggestions would be gratefully received

Parents
  • Hiya i think he could be distressed as you say he doesnt see his dad regularly. I think every 6 months is very unsettling. Maybe your son could be confused as he doesnt know if hes dad loves him or not if he doesnt see him much. Its good you had a good day and he slept in hes own bed. Its also good that pre school allowed you to stay with him for a few hours and then he managed to be ok on hes own there. You could be right at the moment as it could be too much for him the way hes feeling to be away from you too much. Maybe you could ask the dad does he love hes son if he does he needs to show him he does by being in regular contact with him and to make him feel loved. Sorry if im rambling and hope i make sense. Good luck!

Reply
  • Hiya i think he could be distressed as you say he doesnt see his dad regularly. I think every 6 months is very unsettling. Maybe your son could be confused as he doesnt know if hes dad loves him or not if he doesnt see him much. Its good you had a good day and he slept in hes own bed. Its also good that pre school allowed you to stay with him for a few hours and then he managed to be ok on hes own there. You could be right at the moment as it could be too much for him the way hes feeling to be away from you too much. Maybe you could ask the dad does he love hes son if he does he needs to show him he does by being in regular contact with him and to make him feel loved. Sorry if im rambling and hope i make sense. Good luck!

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