My DD IS 9 and has a diagnosis of atypical ASD. I was called into school recently as they were concerned about drawings she had done in class. They were horrific: violent and gory, with lots of killing and death, dismembered bodies etc. Most of the violence was jexpressing their hatred of her. There were also pictures of her saying his she hated herself and wanted to die. So told her teacher that she couldn't help it as she had these thoughts in her head all the time. She has occasionally drawn a cartoon violence pic at home, but not about herself.
Needless to say , I was shocked and upset for DD; I never realised she was in such distress. We will be talking to someone next week at her clinic.
Does anyone have any experience of this? Why is it happening and how best to help DD?
Thanks.
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violent, gory, and self loathing drawings by DD 9
SmellsLikeMiddleAgeSpirit · 09/10/2015 16:26
My DD did this. She was older at the time and they were in notebooks I found when she was school refusing and self harming. The drawings were very shocking and graphic but a real outlet for her, I guess, and the therapist at Camhs reassured me that it was a positive thing that she could express all her negative feelings on paper.
If your DD is openly drawing like this it could be a really good inroad to talking about what's going on for her and why she's drawing like this at school. Is she upset about the drawings herself? Does she understand your reaction to them?
My DD is much happier now and draws just as much but nothing like those violent, self loathing drawings. It's very upsetting but it could be a positive thing in the long run. If you can, try to talk about the drawings, even praise the skill and detail? Sounds crazy but it might open things up 
Thank you boot , some good ideas there, but mainly its reassuring to know that your DD came out the other side relatively unscathed!
My DD knows these drawings shock people, but says she can't help them as this is in her head.
I guess, as you suggest, I should regard them for now as a useful catharsis rather than an indication of violent or suicidal behaviour to come. W'ell be seeing CAMHS
next week.
Glad your DD is doing better and has stayed creative 
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