Aspergers son and depression

so, we've been trying to get my son diagnosed since he was 9 and he's now 14. We've been signed off by cahms once written off as stress despite school report from senco strobgly suggesting aspergers and depression/self harm) , saw a private developmental specialist pead who told us we were best staying under cahms and wrote to them saying urgent referral needed as probable aspergers and severe depression. 

After 2 years back with cahms they once again refused to refer him for diagnosis, I complained and pointed to all their letters from schools, doctors etc and they finally let me see a phycologist who apologised and said he needs diagnosis as there is clear sign of ASD.

problem is, I'm in the system, who knows how long for- and my son is still severely depressed. Texted me yesterday Saying whats the point of living, nothing makes me happy, cant bear the thought of getting through another day. GPs have been saying he's clinically depressed fo yearsbut say only cahms can help. I'm doing my best with counselling etc- but he needs help. Any ideas where I can go, or how I can access help? He shouldn't feel like this at his age and shouldn't be losing years of his life to this depression. 

Thanks

Parents
  • I'm so sorry things are hard for your son at the moment. the link between asd and depression is not taken seriously enough. I think keeping him busy and trying to establish a schedule is a good idea  (although not always easy when they're older). Is he on any meds? My daughter also has aspergers and is at college. Citalopram has helped her a lot. She sleeping better as her repetitive anxiety behaviours have calmed, and is less anxious overall, good luck.

Reply
  • I'm so sorry things are hard for your son at the moment. the link between asd and depression is not taken seriously enough. I think keeping him busy and trying to establish a schedule is a good idea  (although not always easy when they're older). Is he on any meds? My daughter also has aspergers and is at college. Citalopram has helped her a lot. She sleeping better as her repetitive anxiety behaviours have calmed, and is less anxious overall, good luck.

Children
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