Self harm and anger

Thank you so much x

You are very welcome

Please take care of yourself I hope things get better soon :) 

Thank you I will get him a pillow and hopefully that will help, thank you for the link aswell x

Hi again

I also found this page on NAS about anger management which you might find useful for helping your son 

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour/anger-management/parents

Thank you for your reply. He has hurt himself in the usually by pulling his hair punching himself or scratching but he's never cut himself before.

He has an hour to himself in the morning but the night before my daughter put her towel over his without thinking and he went into such a rage. It was really horrific to witness.

No idea what else I can do

Hi Amy I'm so sorry you find yourselves in this awful situation x

Autumns right self harm is that big release which isn't healthy but at the time it helps.

I always feel better after cutting or burning feel pretty rubbish after because of the marks and burns but at the time it helps me feel better

When he starts to get angry it might help if he has a a pillow to hit or a stress toy

A comfort song if he's got one?

My therapist suggested all these for me as sometimes when I'm frustrated it all gets too much.

I hope things will get better for you all x

Hi Amy, 

I'm so sorry this happened. Is it the first time your son has self harmed or is it a common theme? 

For me, self harm is an expression of feelings I can't get out any other way, it feels like the one 'release' in order to expel the pent up frustrations I feel internally and don't have the words or resources to explain, if there is even someone else to explain it to. 

It is really good to hear he's getting up and going to work - that is probably a good sign that he's coping otherwise, but maybe has some issues around his personal possessions (eg his towel). 

Is there scope to give him a designated 'slot' in which he can use the bathroom on his own - assuming you live with other people in your house, to help him have time and space to do his stuff on his own terms?