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SN children

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Original poster

Holiday blues and autism

9 replies

Liliuk · 30/12/2010 13:21

Hi All,
My DS is soon to celebrate is 3rd birthday and has just been formally diagnosed with autism.
I notice when we go on holiday just the 2 of us, he has waves of affection, ie comes for repetitive cuddles, calls me Mama?.super rare in our usual daily routine. He loves being away and is not affected by the change at all. But when we are back, he stops and looks like he becomes overly-anxious, even depressed to the idea of starting routine again (and nursery). He doesn't speak, so can't try to ask what is wrong?
Don't understand?Isn't that suppose to be the other way around, and children with ASD be disturbed by a change of routine? Do all children with ASD also show signs of depressions because from where I stand, that looks like a bad case of holiday blues?
Thanks!

OP posts:

Ineedtinsel · 30/12/2010 14:50

When Dd3[8] was younger she loved being away from home and often left her need for particular routines behind.

However as she became older we noticed that she was very adept at introducing new/holiday routines which we all fitted very nicely in to because there was no need to rush around working, shopping, school runs etc.

Dd3 always reverts back to her home routines as soon as we get home.

It is lovely that you get to spend time with your son when you are away but maybe he finds it a little difficult to re-establish his routines when he gets home.

Hope that is some help.

Original poster

Liliuk · 30/12/2010 15:20

Thanks, yes you are probably right!
I wish I could help him more, it is hard to see him so down. Hopefully won't last too long,

OP posts:

Spinkle · 30/12/2010 17:05

I think my DS suffers from SAD. Sunshine always perks him up.

Original poster

Liliuk · 31/12/2010 09:37

My DS was the same, but I noted that we spend a lot more time in the park when it is sunny and he really really enjoys the swings and slide

OP posts:

Al1son · 31/12/2010 10:24

I know I might be a bit unpopular for saying this but I would look very carefully at what is going on in nursery. My DD1 was always much happier at home with me than at pre-school or school. Once she realised that she just had to go she stopped making a fuss and I interpreted that as her being fine there. She didn't express her emotions in school so nobody realised how unhappy she was. At 12 years old she started high school, couldn't cope and was referred to CAMHS. As well as a diagnosis of AS she now has one of severe anxiety which CAMHS are clear is the result of many years in inappropriate school provision.

I'm not saying that this is the case for your DS but you have the chance to really take a good look now. I would love to be able to turn the clock back for my DD and make things right for her so I'd like you to have that opportunity.

Spinkle · 31/12/2010 11:08

Amberlight put some summary of ASD research on a thread yesterday and a lot of it rang bells with me.

I think my DS has massive sensory issues and because he cannot control his environment at school he really struggles. At home, we manage this stuff better.

Just a theory.

Original poster

Liliuk · 31/12/2010 13:24

Thank you Al1son, you are of course right. I doubt more and more that the nursery he is attending is right for him.

I would hapily stop work (if I could) but then I guess we can forget statement.........

Thanks Spinkle I will look into it, I am unsure just how badly he is affected by sensory problem.

OP posts:

Al1son · 31/12/2010 15:52

I'm sorry to hear that I'm right.

I guess sensory problems are likely to be at least part of the reason he's not happy there. Have they tried to put anything in place for him like a quiet space to withdraw to?

I'm sure that if you post what he finds most difficult lots of people on here will come up with ideas that have worked for their DC.

Another option could be to consider using a childminder. This could give him a quieter, calmer environment in which he feels less anxious.

Do you feel that he needs a statement before he starts school?

Original poster

Liliuk · 03/01/2011 20:41

I am unsure it is sensory or just because he is left on his own doing his own repetitive things too much, although it is definetly part of it. We tried a childminder before, and he was happier but doing less progress on essentials such as self feeding ....Really I feel he may be only happy with me (as well as progressing) but I can't stop work.

For the statement I feel it may be necessary as at it may allow him to have more one to one at nursery (as the early years team is not really showing the support they should).

OP posts:

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