DS (11) not eating

[cakedup]

DS is in his first year at secondary school. He has learning difficulties and is finding it all very difficult. Obviously I am dealing with it.

His appetite has decreased gradually over the last couple of weeks. He says he feels sick in the mornings (before school, fine at weekends) and won't eat any breakfast. And now he is starting to miss lunch at school too, meaning he doesn't eat until he gets home from school.

I am not making too much of a big deal over it with DS, just kept it positive, "I'm sure your appetite will come back soon" sort of thing. I am conscious of not making it too much of an issue in case it makes it worse or maybe even cause eating disorders.

I'm wondering if, as well as the loss of appetite, it is about having some form of control of the situation as well. He said he doesn't even have anything to drink at school - I've never experienced loss of appetite due to stress, does it usually affect thirst levels as well?

Also does anyone have any experience of their DS not eating? I'm giving him multi vits every day but do I need to take him to the doctor if he starts losing weight? I have informed the school and asked for immediate intervention (i.e. referral to CAHMS)

[VioletBam]

It sounds like classic anxiety to me OP. Poor DS. My DD had a bit of this and while she doesn't have learning difficulties, it's still hard to help them with it.

Part of beating it in our case was helping DD to understand why she felt sick or at times had a tummy ache.

She grasped that it was a reaction to anxiety/worry and that this was something which could be controlled by sorting out what things were making her anxious.

Can you talk to your son about what parts of his day are good and what are not?

If you can pinpoint the bits he doesn't like, finds hard or is worried about, then you can set about improving these things for him and in turn, helping him to feel better about them with the help and support of the school.

[cakedup]

Thank you VioletBam, I'm glad your DD is better.

DS knows it's caused by school related anxieties. We've talked a lot about it and the school has tried to reassure him too. We're doing everything we can to support him. Interestingly, the school have put him forward for Equine Therapy! Therapy with horses! It's a thing apparently. I hope that goes through, I think it will be brilliant for him.