Stressed and desperate about DS

[notaflyingmonkey]

DS is 17 and has high functioning Autism. He has been struggling with his MH for a few months now, and over the last 2 months has been depressed, and deterioriating. He is like a zombie. Hardly eating or sleeping. I've taken him to the GP 3 times now, but he refuses to take ADs (tried Citalopram for 3 days and said it made him worse). Refuses to try any others. CAMHS saw him and discharged him. God only knows what criteria they have for accepting people for treatment. I've tried to get him seen by a specialist ASD CAMHS unit, but they will only accept referrals from our local CAMHS.

He has started to go to counselling. I used to be able to get him out even for a short walk, but he won't do that anymore.

I'm frightened for him, and angry that I can't get him any help. I've been casting around on the internet looking for anything that I can do which may help - acupuncture etc. But may just end up throwing good money after bad out of desperation.

Any ideas?

That sounds really hard, and you have my sympathy.

I am the mother of a DD who whilst not autistic,, does have severe mental health issues, hand in hand with anorexia nervosa. It is so hard and you feel so alone and powerless.

CAMHS (now EWMHS, I think) seems very hit or miss. We have had both terrible experiences and not too bad, but it seems like luck of the draw. This time is a not too bad experience, though chaotic and slow.

Do you have a sympathetic GP who would help fight your corner to get what you need? The back up of ours has been invaluable. He knows what arses to kick when necessary.

Good luck. I hope you do manage to get the right help soon. Depression sucks, especially when it is affecting your child and you are struggling to reach them or help them.

Thank you for taking the time to respond Topseyt.

If I ruled the world I would get rid of social media. It does so much bloody harm to impressionable minds.