Family life with an ASD DD (12)

[TrioG]

Hello

I wanted to ask if anyone has any advice in relation to family life with an ASD DD who is 12 years old.

Her sleeping is extremely erratic, not sleeping til the early hours often sleeping late into the day.

DD also shares there’s a funny smell and will spray her chosen perfume body spray to mask the ‘horrible’ smell.

Often the smell is either myself or my husband which makes all being together difficult. Often she will be in the conservatory with me, as I can sit far enough away and my husband ends up in the front room on his own.

Sometimes DD can’t handle anyone with her but again that makes it difficult for us as I feel guilty.

Things have been difficult for such a long time now and I don’t want us as a family to live like this long term.

Any advice ?

Does DD take anything to help with her sleep? How much exercise is she getting? How is DD's eating?

The smell issue could be a sensory issue. Often sensory issues are heightened when DC are otherwise already anxious/distressed/dysregulated. What are DD’s general anxiety levels like?

I think you need to get her up at a consistent time everyday including weekends to help her towards a sensible schedule - and only feel guilty about leaving her alone if she has a problem eith it! Is she lonely? Also consider spending more time outdoors.