• Replies 5 replies
  • Subscribers 68 subscribers
  • Views 209 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Feeling lost

Chaoticmumof2

Good afternoon, I am just looking for some support / guidance (I think). My son, just turned 17 and has recently received an autism diagnosis but what happens now? I really feel like the hospital have gone yep this is your label go deal with it. With no support, no next steps no follow up no nothing?! Is that what actually happens? 

We have suspected my son has been unique for probably around 10 years, however we have battled with schools as they just wouldn't accept he was any different, he's a people pleaser and excellent at masking. Ill be honest I never expected him to be diagnosed with autism, I thought more along the lines of ADHD however after assessments for both he has been diagnosised with autism only. 

My son leads a relatively "normal" life for a 17 year old, he goes to college, enjoys sport and plays football and cricket. He doesn't go out with friends, isn't great with friendships but I THINK he manages. He has recently got into quite a serious relationship (5 months in) and thinks the absolute world of this girl. Luckily she is a lovely girl, puts up with a lot of his unique ways but sometimes I feel a little overwhelmed by it all and how much it seems to consume him. I feel his life could be so much better (and ours too) if he had some more support/understanding around his autism. 

I think given the fact we have lived like this for so long it's our norm, but surely that doesn't mean we have to accept that and not look to make things better for us all right? 

Im just trying to find out if there is anywhere we can get some support from following his diagnosis. Things we can do and try to make life / understanding smoother for us all? 

Thanks for reading....sorry if I have waffled. 

Parents

  • Hi, sorry you ae feeling lost right now. My son is adult now, diagnosed at age 4. Went to mainstream school, very bright but had to battle school hard to get support as very sketchy. Was told he wouldn't get an EHCP because in mainstream which was a lie they used to tell everyone back then, however have know some since with EHCP who still haven't had needs met. I won't sugarcoat it, support is fairly non existent. Only had access to an educational psychologist who only ever replied "well you know him best" so stopped bothering. College was worse than school for him as SENCO did nothing. Found this the worst age as they do get very sensitive about friendships/relationships and feel the pressure of adult life looming. Had referral for CAMHS once, however was turned down when he was 16 as by the time he would reach top of waiting list would be adult because waiting list was that long. Was just a case of getting through it and trying to guide to the next step and give him something to strive for. My son is at University now, goes to the local one so can remain at home which suits. Some Universities give priority to locals if have certain needs. He also gets Disabled students allowance for travel etc. Far better than school or college ever was if that is something he might be interested in?

Reply

  • Hi, sorry you ae feeling lost right now. My son is adult now, diagnosed at age 4. Went to mainstream school, very bright but had to battle school hard to get support as very sketchy. Was told he wouldn't get an EHCP because in mainstream which was a lie they used to tell everyone back then, however have know some since with EHCP who still haven't had needs met. I won't sugarcoat it, support is fairly non existent. Only had access to an educational psychologist who only ever replied "well you know him best" so stopped bothering. College was worse than school for him as SENCO did nothing. Found this the worst age as they do get very sensitive about friendships/relationships and feel the pressure of adult life looming. Had referral for CAMHS once, however was turned down when he was 16 as by the time he would reach top of waiting list would be adult because waiting list was that long. Was just a case of getting through it and trying to guide to the next step and give him something to strive for. My son is at University now, goes to the local one so can remain at home which suits. Some Universities give priority to locals if have certain needs. He also gets Disabled students allowance for travel etc. Far better than school or college ever was if that is something he might be interested in?

Children
No Data