Hello I have a 9 year old grandson he has autism I...

Bucket22

Hello I have a 9 year old grandson he has autism I don't know how to help him he doesn't like leaving the flat all he wants to do is stay in his pjs on his phone I have tried to talk to him but he won't talk and tell us what's wrong is there any advice you can give me please my daughter is a single parent

Holly_Scope

Hi @Bucket22 and a warm welcome to the community. I've added a few tags for our family specialist to offer some support when she's in tomorrow but I'm sure our lovely members will be able to provide their advice and input too.

woodstock1969

I had a similar problem with my Son a couple of years ago. Would he respond to a visual timetable to help him transition from one place to another? Does he fell unwell or in pain but can’t explain, communication cards may help or even asking him to point to where he’s in pain, It may be neither of those but I hope you and his Mum can help him and get him out and about again

Santosha12

Hello @Bucket22, just a very warm welcome to you and I hope you can get the advice and support that can help you, and your family. With my very warmest wishes, take care.

Mary_Scope

Hi @Bucket22 and a warm welcome to the community from me!

Thank you for telling us a bit about your situaiton.

How long has it been since your grandson has been refusing to leave the flat or has this always been something that your grandson has struggled with?

Woodstock suggestions of a visual timetable is a great one and may be worth trying if your grandson finds transitions quite hard and needs to know what is coming up next.

It may also be worth exploring low demand strategies especially if your grandson has a lot of anxiety or finds demands (real or percieved) very overwhelming.

For example, instead of asking "why" he won't go out, it is more about making casual observations like, "it looks really bright out there today, I wonder if it's a bit too much for your eyes." This may help identify any sensory issues that may be adding to your grandson finding it hard to leave the flat too.

Well_Well_Well

Hi Bucket

Is CAMHS involved? I have heard some people say they are not helpful but maybe they can help? Also, ❤️ love Mary's suggestion.