depression Aspie teen - help!!!

FredFII

Hi, I have 2 x 14 year old ASD teens (Asperger's). One is doing OK, the other is in a terrible place. He has been diagnosed with depression, but none of the available therapies are relevant to him - any kind of talking therapy is out of the question and he flatly refuses to take anti-depressants. He won't currently leave his room, often spending many hours in bed staring at the ceiling but occasionally getting up to watch anime or play computer games. He has days where he barely eats,  and blood tests show that he is not drinking enough. Nothing motivates him. He has isolated himself completely and says he doesn't want to see anyone, including his twin brother and me and his dad. He started to refuse school about three weeks before the summer break, and there's no hope of him going back next week (this is to a specialist school where I fought to secure him a place - he was out of education for over a year. His brother already attends this school and is doing well there). His constant mantra is "I hate people" and this is how he justifies his actions. he thinks he is doing us all a favour by staying in his room. He stopped washing weeks ago and doesn't brush his teeth. I could go on, but I suspect you get the picture. I am drawing a blank with CAMHS who say that his behaviour appears to be more about his ASD (rigid thinking etc) than the depression. They are about to refer us back to GP care as they have no more ideas about what to do. I'm at my wit's end. Any advice would be gratefully received.

KatBeerling

What about CBT?? Or art therapy. Also st John's wort is good for mild to moderate depression and you can get it in a liquid. 
Just keep trying. One thing just try baby steps. Put the tooth brush and paste in his room with some water. Or leave some wipes in his room and ask him to use them. Etc. I have a daughter with aspergers so I know how difficult it can be. 

Kat xx

FredFII

Hi Kat, thanks for replying. He won't engage with CBT - we tried. The toothbrush and water in his room is a good idea though. I'll try that.

KatBeerling

If he won't engage could you just place some art supplies in his room, let him get what's inside down on paper?? Happy to be of any help I can. 

Kat xx

FredFII

Sorry to be negative, but he HATES art - it's a source of constant irritation to him that "he can't draw" and he won't go near pens and pencils

KatBeerling

Ok no probs. Just an idea. Does he like writing or music?? If so do something similar for him. I found my daughter liked to draw so left it with her, and she is finally talking with me. I don't always understand what she is trying to tell me, but I always try and validate her feelings. The point is she actually does talk to me now, so the hope is there hon. Just try and find something to help him engage again in a safe way. 

Sorry if I have over stepped my bounds!

Kat xxc

FredFII

you haven't stepped over any bounds, don't worry! I appreciate all advice.. Someone somewhere will have an idea that can help and it might well have been you. Writing is as bad as art. He used to like music but not any more. The only thing that inspires him is anime and computer games.

KatBeerling

Will keep thinking for you! Please take care and have hope. There will be a way to 're engage him. Just keep telling him you love him, even if it is through a closed door!

Kat xx