Have I had a breakdown?

Hello Leanne,

As a late diagnosed adult with ASD and a mum of two on the spectrum myself, I can certainly identify with the above post. Drinking does have the affect of turning the volume down when things become too difficult to cope with, but ultimately it is also a depressant and highly addictive. For some, it can even make them aggressive.

I've read a good book recently called drinking to cope. By Sarah Hendrickx. It's the only book i've found that discusses the link between ASD and alcohol use.

I'm not suggesting that you are on the spectrum, but some of the insights were quite helpful and made me view things in an entirley different light. Including why it's the drug of choice for many. You may recognize some of the issues discussed in it as familiar.

www.amazon.co.uk/.../1843106094

It's very easy to ignore our own well-being when faced with the demands of children on the spectrum. I reached breaking point a few years back and just couldn't function in the end.

In the first instance, I would talk to your GP and ask for a referral for some counselling. It doesn't matter if you don't go for counselling ultimately, but the waiting list is often such that it could be sometime before you are seen, so if you are on the waiting list now it will help.

Caring for those on the spectrum is extremely hard. Planning time for yourself can be difficult if not impossible without support. If you are not getting support just now, then try and find some. Respite of some kind may give you the much needed break to help you get some rest and also gather your thoughts. I had no respite in 18 years and when I eventually got it, I slept for nearly three days. When I woke, things were a lot less anxiety provoking.

Don't be affraid to ask for help. We all need it at some time in our lives. 

My heart goes out to you and all those who know what it is to care for children on the spectrum.

Coogy xx

Hello Leanne,

As a late diagnosed adult with ASD and a mum of two on the spectrum myself, I can certainly identify with the above post. Drinking does have the affect of turning the volume down when things become too difficult to cope with, but ultimately it is also a depressant and highly addictive. For some, it can even make them aggressive.

I've read a good book recently called drinking to cope. By Sarah Hendrickx. It's the only book i've found that discusses the link between ASD and alcohol use.

I'm not suggesting that you are on the spectrum, but some of the insights were quite helpful and made me view things in an entirley different light. Including why it's the drug of choice for many. You may recognize some of the issues discussed in it as familiar.

www.amazon.co.uk/.../1843106094

It's very easy to ignore our own well-being when faced with the demands of children on the spectrum. I reached breaking point a few years back and just couldn't function in the end.

In the first instance, I would talk to your GP and ask for a referral for some counselling. It doesn't matter if you don't go for counselling ultimately, but the waiting list is often such that it could be sometime before you are seen, so if you are on the waiting list now it will help.

Caring for those on the spectrum is extremely hard. Planning time for yourself can be difficult if not impossible without support. If you are not getting support just now, then try and find some. Respite of some kind may give you the much needed break to help you get some rest and also gather your thoughts. I had no respite in 18 years and when I eventually got it, I slept for nearly three days. When I woke, things were a lot less anxiety provoking.

Don't be affraid to ask for help. We all need it at some time in our lives. 

My heart goes out to you and all those who know what it is to care for children on the spectrum.

Coogy xx