AUDHD son - constant negativity

[Blueuggboots]

My son, 15, diagnosed autistic at 9 and recent ADHD diagnosis.
he is the most negative person I know. Never has anything good to say about anything. Always anxious that he’ll make a fool of himself, that people will hate him, that people can tell he’s autistic (they can’t, he’s actually a really sociable person when he’s not inside his own head!!)
he thinks I’m angry and cross even when I’m not…it is EXHAUSTING. Example - we were blowing up helium balloons today for a party, and he accidentally let one go. He started crying…I didn’t care that he’d let it go and I laughed that we had all accidentally let a balloon escape but he just started going on and on about it…
He’s just started sertraline for his anxiety. I’ve tried talking to him about being grateful for things, for remembering to see the good in things, to try and recall happy memories but no. Always focuses on the negative things.
Does anyone else have a teen like this? What do you do?? have they grown out of it?
(Also posted in SN teens)

This isn't very helpful I'm afraid OP but i found your description of your DS really illuminating.

I was given a late life diagnosis that i'm Autistic last year and I have now realised that I am probably AuDHD. And I keep finding traits in my personality that are explained by my Neurodiversity. But until I read your post I hadnt associated my negativity with it. I recognise so much of what you say about your DS in myself. Did I make a fool of myself has been my Mantra all my life, much to the great annoyance of my immediate family.

I do think that since my diagnosis I am a bit less negative because I am more accepting of me being me and no longer trying to be like other people.

Sorry I can't offer any advice. I hope the sertraline helps him