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Advice needed: NHS treatment for young adult with Autistic burnout

MikeB

Hi all

My family needs advice from someone who has experience navigating the NHS mental health treatment system where autism is involved.

My 27 year old daughter has been sectioned and in a mental hospital for approximately 3 months. Initially she was diagnosed as suffering from  depression and anxiety but this has been changed to autistic burnout after she was tested for and diagnosed as being autistic. Her hospital seems to have little idea of how she needs to be treated and cared for in terms of her autism despite the intervention of the local NHS Autism Service. Our daughter  was a teacher until earlier this year when she could no longer cope with the stress caused by a lifetime of masking her autism. Her psychiatrist and staff at the hospital seem to feel that she can't be that unwell because she can express herself clearly. At the moment they are trying to railroad her out of the hospital despite her ongoing suicidal thoughts. She has made several attempts at suicide before boing sectioned and while in the hospital. 

We are extremely worried that she will be released before she is ready to cope.

Can anyone offer advice or tell us who can help?

Thank you

Parents

  • I think one of the things you could do from your end (as I can see how much you are trying your very best by coming here asking questions), is doing what you are doing - research and advocate for her. The treatment for depression is trying to get people to engage with things, where in burn out, you just need quiet enviroment, without bright lights and time to rest and heal. Find out if there is anything you are allowed to bring to make her feel good about the space she's in -you'll have to check with staff on the rules.  Inpatient wards are difficult as they tend to be the oppositie of what autistics need, so you can advocate for her, point out what she needs and get them to try incorporate that into her care.  I had a family member in crisis that got admitted, and it was very difficult.  They were vegan too, so even trying to get the right food is a thing -if she's autistic, then have a think about foods she likes and doesn't eat - and make sure the staff know these too. Gentle conversations about her sensory needs can be a good place to start without talking about autism if she doesn't want to engage with talking about that. Sensory needs are real things though that she could relate too.

    My family member did make it through their crisis, and was able to return home and eventually back into work too on their terms.  I think you are doing amazingly, Stuarts advice below is brilliant for her point of view, i just wanted to add this stuff too. Look after yourselves!

Reply

  • I think one of the things you could do from your end (as I can see how much you are trying your very best by coming here asking questions), is doing what you are doing - research and advocate for her. The treatment for depression is trying to get people to engage with things, where in burn out, you just need quiet enviroment, without bright lights and time to rest and heal. Find out if there is anything you are allowed to bring to make her feel good about the space she's in -you'll have to check with staff on the rules.  Inpatient wards are difficult as they tend to be the oppositie of what autistics need, so you can advocate for her, point out what she needs and get them to try incorporate that into her care.  I had a family member in crisis that got admitted, and it was very difficult.  They were vegan too, so even trying to get the right food is a thing -if she's autistic, then have a think about foods she likes and doesn't eat - and make sure the staff know these too. Gentle conversations about her sensory needs can be a good place to start without talking about autism if she doesn't want to engage with talking about that. Sensory needs are real things though that she could relate too.

    My family member did make it through their crisis, and was able to return home and eventually back into work too on their terms.  I think you are doing amazingly, Stuarts advice below is brilliant for her point of view, i just wanted to add this stuff too. Look after yourselves!

Children
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