ASD: is it puberty related behaviour?

[Liliuk]

My son has quite severe ASD but is usually a lovely happy child with a fair amount of emotional regulation issues. He will be 11 in a couple of months. The last 2 months, his crying levels has gone through the roof, and he can't soothe himself. No clear antecedent, even doing things he loves. I was wondering if this could be puberty at works. I am really worried of mental health, can you become addicted to sadness? We went to GP, not much use I must say. I am tempted to see a psychologist as I am worried of depression. I'd love any advice you could give as I have no idea how to go on about it (what about CAMHS?) Thank you; there are really tough times.

[BenjiB]

My son is 20. Until he was 14 we barely knew we had him. He was sweet and lovely. He is severely autistic, non verbal etc. At the same time his behaviour changed, he developed epilepsy. It could well be puberty at play. He was put on anti depressants at 16 and then rispiradone at 18. Mostly as long as everything goes his way he’s calm and happy but saying no is fatal. X. I’d ask for a Camhs referral. We went to the GP and a locum saw us and was lovely. We saw CAMHS within 3 weeks. Medication wasn’t my first choice though x

[Greensleeves]

My 16yo Aspie was a loving, funny, caring, sociable (in his own way) and high-achieving delight of a child until two months ago. All hell has broken loose. He's cutting himself (and rubbing salt/pouring mouthwash in the wounds for extra pain ), making suicide plans, having violently explosive tantrums, sobbing and clinging one minute and making scathing, cruel remarks the next, not eating, not sleeping properly...it's like we've been hit by a train. Most of his anger is directed at me personally and I have no idea why. We're having "family therapy" with CAMHS which so far has made everything a million times worse. He's being offered CBT as well but no idea how long the waiting list is or whether it will do any good. If it weren't for MN I'd have gone round the twist by now.

I'd recommend getting a CAMHS referral as quickly as possible, you can do it via the GP or school can refer. Ours got fast tracked because he threatened suicide and we had to go to A&E for an emergency assessment.