My heart is bursting

[MyGhastIsFlabbered]

Today DS2 (12) who is the most antisocial child in the world most of the time, (he has ASD and ADHD and his mental health is quite worrying at the moment) came home and asked to go for a walk in our local heathland. We spent the most wonderful hour just walking the dog, chatting, laughing, hugging and singing. It's been so long since he wanted to spend time with anyone that my heart is just full to bursting even now.

I got some lovely photos of us walking which obviously I won't share on here but here's some photos of the gorgeous area we went to

Aw this is lovely to read, you must be such a kind supportive mum to him and your patience has paid off

how lovely, thank you for sharing 🩷

OP that's wonderful! As a mum of a very young child with suspected ADHD this made my heart burst for you too.
What a gorgeous walk. And what beautiful memories

That’s so great. Walking is soooo good for us. Well done to your son for that idea! Happy for you.

That’s wonderful Op.
You sound like a lovely Mum 💕
I am in a similar position with my Dd, and the little steps forward mean so much.

🥰

That’s brilliant MyGhastIsFlabbered

Can I just ask that if he normally is emotionally unwell where you worry. You need to be mindful of the sudden change. Please ensure he isn't planning any harm to himself. Often people display happiness when they know they are planning an attempt. I hope that's not the case but please keep this in mind.

How beautiful! This has made my day. Xx

Oh I feel this! My ASD DD so rarely opens to me, those few moments when she does are so incredibly precious.

❤️❤️❤️ OP

you’re a brilliant mum.

Thank you for your concern but he has mentioned self-harm and suicide in the past, and we've spoken about it a lot but I don't think this afternoon/evening was anything to be concerned about. But I am always hyper vigilant about such things.

Lovely to have a happy and kind thread!
The simplest things mean the most

Totally random but your post made me think of this book by an lrish young guy
Sean Royayne ( spelling!) with autism
Nature Boy : a memoir his " obsession" with nature and especially birdsong and living with autism. He just loves nature/ outdoors and is amazing. Thought you might like it if your boy likes being in nature.

well that looks like Panshanger Park but not sure that’s heathland more chalk stream/fen, I hope you enjoyed and get to repeat 🥰