Hi, my name is sarahs182008! Help with son interacting with others

sarahs182008
sarahs182008 Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener
edited November 14 in Autism and neurodiversity

Hi iam struggling to get my son who is 14 years old to access the outside world he was diagnosed with adhd/ASD a few months ago. He has medication which he takes but it’s early days as to how effective it is. He completely shuts the world out and is very happy to stay in the house he won’t attend any schooling at home or at school. It really worries me about his education and socialising and his future of becoming an adult as he has missed out in so much the past few years. He refuses to work with any professionals or interact with anyone other than his family. There has got to be some kind of help to get my son to interact with people he doesn’t know and build his confidence and trust in the outside world. Any advice would be great thankyou

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  • Annie_Scope
    Annie_Scope Posts: 33 Scope Online Community Children and Family Specialists

    Hi sarahs182008

    Thank you for getting in touch. A new diagnosis can be very overwhelming and takes time to process, and with starting medication too I can see how this will be affecting your son. Have you had a look at any websites to help explain his diagnosis to him? As this may be useful to help with explanation and verifying his feelings.

    In terms of schooling, if he is still enrolled at school, it would be worth speaking to them about what they can offer to support his education and wellbeing, or if not then contact your local council for education advice and support.

    You may find these websites helpful …

    National Autistic Society

    Home - ADHD Foundation : ADHD Foundation

    YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People | YoungMinds

    Information for young people on mental health and wellbeing - Mind

    ADDitude - ADD & ADHD Symptom Tests, Signs, Treatment, Support

    Please reach out for any further support.

  • sarahs182008
    sarahs182008 Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener

    thankyou the school are trying to help and the local authority he just won’t engage with anyone 🙈

  • Annie_Scope
    Annie_Scope Posts: 33 Scope Online Community Children and Family Specialists

    Hi @sarahs182008

    I'm glad to hear that school and the local authority are trying to help. Does he have someone he trusts in school, who he has a good relationship with? might be worth seeing if they can have a chat with him. Also, trying to encourage him to have a look at the websites above to gain a better understanding of his diagnosis. Ask school if there are any groups he can access in your local area, for children a similar age with ADHD and/or Autism, so he can meet other teens.

    Just keep reassuring him and encouraging him to talk to people, even family and friends. I am sure you are doing a great job as his Mum.

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