Struggling mum of 7 year old autistic daughter

[katielou987]

My seven year old daughter has recently been diagnosed with Autism. We made a referral through Right To Choose and they were amazing. We are currently awaiting the report so that we can meet with the school and hopefully some additional support can be offered.

I have found the past few weeks extremely challenging. My daughter has protested every morning at the prospect of going to school, doesn't want to get changed etc. She has also had huge melt downs when i have needed to leave the house. I had a hair appointment last week and she was hysterical as i was leaving the house even though my husband was caring for her at home.

Right now i feel like a prisoner and everyday feels harder. I went to see my GP three weeks ago and he prescribed sleeping pills as i have been wide awake most evenings and the following day is so hard.

My 12 year old son is so patient with his sister but he is also feeling the impact and we haven't explained to him yet about his sisters autism and i'm not sure how to navigate this.

I really don't know what to do and i am hoping that someone may be able to resonate or may have similar experience and can inspire me as to how i can get through this.

Thank you for reading

katie x

Support in school is based on needs rather than diagnosis. Request a meeting with the SENCO now so that support can be put in place for the start of next year. Don’t wait for the report because you may not have it in order to meet with the SENCO before the end of term.

This time of year can be difficult. There is a lot of different things going on in schools that can be difficult for some DC to cope with, and DC can be tired.

The difficulties with you going out are often rooted in anxiety. Would DD find it helpful if you left something of yours with her? Or some find it helpful to draw a heart on the child’s hand and your hand.