Help

[Cocopop234590]

Son is 18 with ADHD and recent Autism diagnosis recent, he has no friends and is desperate for a girlfriend.

I'm really worried as when he goes out, he often thinks people are talking about him, spitting on him. As a result he purposely bumps into them, so far he hasn’t been thumped but it’s only a matter of time before he either does or ends up in a fight and is arrested. I have witnessed him doing this, and Some poor chap had done absolutely nothing. He is so angry, looks aggressive etc. I don’t know how to help him, just wondering about therapy . Any advice??

Get a good compassionate CBT therapist. Try a few to find a good fit.

They can address the thoughts and he will see that they aren't the only interpretation available of the situation. It uses our innate intelligence to look for alternative exexplanations and in doing so challenges our thoughts and beliefs.

Its absolutely not about 'fixing ASD or ADHD', for a specific issue though can be really helpful.

Also maybe some creative therapy like art as maybe there are some underlying feelings he's bottled up.

Thank you so much, I was looking at CBT funnily enough, but with a psychologist, but will explore this. It’s a bit of a minefield! It’s difficult as at 18 it’s trying to unpick what is teenage angst /hormones/trying to see who you are type stuff, but massively magnified when your brain can’t filter out all the other noise. Thanks again, I really appreciate your reply.😊