Anxious 5 year old boy (ASD and ADHD)

[Worriedmotheroftwo]

My lovely little 5 year old boy (who has recently been diagnosed with ADHD and ASD) appears to he very anxious at the moment. He keeps saying his 'tummy hurts'. We've taken him to the GP and she said nothing appears to be physically wrong with him. He's been waking in the night, and saying he's worried about being sick (he saw a friend of his be sick a fortnight ago). Please help advise me on how I can support him with this? I've tried talking it out with him. What else can I do to help him? Thanks.

[Headfirstintothewild]

Is DS on medication? Is he receiving any support, including at school?

Play therapy can work well. The chances of any such timely support via the NHS is slim to none, so if you can afford it you could look privately or in some areas there are local charities who can help.

In case it is something that interests you, Scope offer mentoring ot parents whose DS have recently been diagnosed.

[Worriedmotheroftwo]

No, not on medication. Does ADHD medication help with anxiety? I have asked the GP to explore ADHD medication but he hasn't got back to us. Need to follow up on that.

Play therapy - thanks, I was looking at this, and think his school may be able to arrange something for him (we would pay for it).

I hadn't heard of the Scope mentoring but will definitely look into that - thanks so much!

[Headfirstintothewild]

Some find their MH improves with the right ADHD medication. Some find some types, particularly some stimulants, can worsen anxiety and they need to change.

Unless it is an independent school, play therapy via the school is unlikely without an EHCP.

[Worriedmotheroftwo]

Many thanks. Medication sounds very complex.

Yes, it is an independent school and I believe they do offer pkay therapy, but at a cost to the parent.