8 year old with ASD refusing to leave the house

[Itsnotfriday]

It started with school about 2 weeks ago, she suddenly didn't want to go one morning and had a meltdown. From then on its only gotten worse, doesn't want to go tesco or the park or the beach (things we usually do in the week). I'm still trying to continue with routine of getting up, getting dressed, having breakfast and so on but we only get so far before she starts screaming. Really not sure what to do anymore, I've spoken to school, tried to figure out what could have started this but didn't get anywhere with that. I'd be thankful for any suggestions

Gosh, that's really hard.

What's school been like up till then? Did she like it or just tolerate it?

Did the journey change in any way? Are there loud roadworks, insects, building sites, trees covered in blossom that were bare before??

How much language has she got? Does she say anything about why? Sorry if that's a stupid question!

I think you're going to need help though. School any use? Autism outreach? Camhs?

She can say quite a few words, mostly only answers in one or two words and only speaks when she wants to. I have tried asking her why but she's in such a state i only get "no". She really likes routine so it could be the smallest thing that has changed that would difficult to notice. She has been referred to camhs but we're still waiting. I was thinking of maybe taking her somewhere she really loves to go on a school day, no mention of school at all (she would be aware its a school day but might be a little more persaudable if she doesn't think she's being made to go) and if i can get her there perhaps she'll agree to school afterwards.

But she does usually really like school, its a special school and meet her needs really well, she's been there since september but really liked it until recently.

I know of a child who started school refusing when the leaves fell from the trees because he thought they were going on a different journey and it made him super anxious.

So I wonder if it's something like that.

Are school trying to help? Has she been off for 2 weeks now?

Yeah, zzz, you're probably right.

I'm a bit surprised that school aren't all over this like a rash.