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Psychological Help?

NAS16354

Hello, my son is almost 11 and on the spectrum. He also has dyspraxia and very poor short term memory. He was diagnosed 3 years ago and had one follow up visit with the specialist a year after, but we were told that as he/I was coping well no further visits were necessary.  Just lately my son seems to be struggling to cope emotionally - erratic visits from his father, constantly letting him down and worries about moving to secondary school are obviously contributary factors as (I am sure) are hormonal changes.  I have been unable to work since January because of stress and depression and have just started counselling.  I believe my son needs this type of help, but who do I go to? He hasn't seen a GP for over 4 years as he is sickeningly healthy (!) but should I start there, or with the specialist or is there a local (Kent) Autism organisation that could help?

  • So sorry to hear of your struggles.

     

    It sounds like your son would benefit from cognitive behaviour therapy(CBT).

     

    Your GP or school can refer him to your local CAMHS for an assessment, where he would most likely be referred for CBT.   It is not for everyone but it is a well structured therapy, which helps children understand their own behaviour better and are given strategies for coping with their behaviour and thoughts.

     

    Good luck!

  • Hi minime63
    Sorry to hear about the difficulties both you and your son are facing. A GP might be a good place to start with many of them offering referrals to counselling. The NHS choices website explains this in a bit more detail:
    http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/counselling/Pages/Accesstotherapy.aspx

    If you wanted to look into an autism organisation near Kent it might be helpful to look in the Autism directory service, a comprehensive directory of services and support for people with an autism spectrum disorder, their families, and people who work with them:
    www.autismdirectory.org.uk.


    Services provided by the National Autistic Society may also help, you can read more here:
    www.autism.org.uk/en-gb/our-services.aspx
    This includes details of the National Autistic Society Autism Helpline, where advisers can talk through the different types of support and search for services in your area, if you would like to call.
     
    Francesca