Advice please x

Hello I have an autistic son, about to turn 18 in the next few months. He probably always showed signs, but things got worse around 2019/2020, when we had a big loss to the family and of course covid.

He never really went back school after covid, which was about year 9 ( around 13/14 years old). I tried to get him there, even sitting in the car park for over an hour trying to encourage him out the car. School were not helping,  refusing to believe there was anything 'wrong', blaming my parenting.

He was referred to cahms for anxiety support as well as an assessment (which of course we are still waiting on). I also got him an education heath care plan. However he never returned to school and subsequently has no qualifications. The anxiety support he was having also came to an end, as calms felt he wasn't gaining anything new from it ( we were doing everything they were advising us to do already). 

He now does nothing, he has one friend, that he hasn't seen in weeks. He rarely leaves the house. Can not travel alone, and hates crowded places.

My question is, what can I do? He has no support, we have no financial support and things are looking a little bleak. Can anyone offer some advice on what we can do going forward, as im feeling a little alone.

Parents
  • Dear pez47,

    Welcome to the online community. I am sorry to hear about your son's situation, it sounds like he is having a tough time.

    In terms of what support is available, it may be best to first contact your GP to see what is an option within your local area. You could also possibly contact your local social care team- often they can give a holistic approach and help find community support. 

    For support with anxiety, I know you have said that CAHMS were not very helpful but as he is turning 18 in a few months there may be the possibility of looking at support from the CMHT after 18. 

    You could also take a look at:

    Seeking help

    Anxiety

    Social care

    Please reach out if you need any further support.

    Best wishes,

    Olivia Mod

Reply
  • Dear pez47,

    Welcome to the online community. I am sorry to hear about your son's situation, it sounds like he is having a tough time.

    In terms of what support is available, it may be best to first contact your GP to see what is an option within your local area. You could also possibly contact your local social care team- often they can give a holistic approach and help find community support. 

    For support with anxiety, I know you have said that CAHMS were not very helpful but as he is turning 18 in a few months there may be the possibility of looking at support from the CMHT after 18. 

    You could also take a look at:

    Seeking help

    Anxiety

    Social care

    Please reach out if you need any further support.

    Best wishes,

    Olivia Mod

Children
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