Hello. My 11 year old son has recently had an autism diagnosis. It distressed him greatly to the point where I can't have a discussion with him to reassure him as he gets too distressed to engage. When I bring up the topic he says he wants to die. At the moment it seems like there is no positive in a diagnosis. He is otherwise quite content in life, it is only this that causes distress. School haven't really been much help and I worry for his transition to secondary school in September. That his autism, while not causing issues for him now, may in the future. I think part of his distress seems to come from negative thoughts about autism from his peers and a general lack of understanding. Also that those in school with a diagnosis are viewed as disruptive or weird (I know this is wrong I just think that is the perception). My son is very quiet (aside from with close friends or family), conforms, does well at school. I don't think he wants to stand out or be seen as different. Does anyone have any advice for how to talk to him and reassure him? I want him to be comfortable in himself but also understand himself to help with any difficulties he may face in the future. At the moment I feel like by getting him assessed and the diagnosis I've just upset a happy child. It is not helping him, just causing harm. He is not a difficult child to parent (though we have adapted to avoid things he struggles with) so I feel a fraud when I see so many parents struggling. I don't feel I know anyone with a child like my son I can relate to or who understands. Sorry if this doesn't make sense, I just want my son to be happy and understand himself. I feel really alone. There is no support offered after diagnosis. School have yet to even meet me to discuss the report even though it came over a month ago and even though I told them it was causing my son to want to die.
