Very much loved son going through a difficult time

[Rallying35]

Im new to this site. I have a 35 year old son with severe learning difficulties, autistic tendancies and challenging behaviour. The past six months his self-harm behaviour has become worse. We have ruled out physical problems with blood tests and the psychiatrist thinks he may be anxious. He hits his head a lot and bites himself. He has no verbal communication so I dont know what to think. Anybody else in this situation?

[Shue Community friend]

Hi Rallying35 and welcome. It's so upsetting watching our loved ones in distress and unable to communicate why. My own 27 year old son has psychosis and displays severe anxiety and distress when having an episode. What does your son do for activities, how does he spend his days/evenings? I ask as activity, purpose and things to look forward to are helping my son so much at present. Give the helpline 0808 808 1111 a call and see what is available for him in your area. Ask the psychiatrist if he can prescribe something to help with the anxiety, he will then be in a better place to be able to attend any activities you can find for him. I hope this helps and good luck.

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My son started specialist autistic school - jewellery making, cooking, gardening and other such activities. Yoga at school and dance at college. His challenging behaviour disappeared with these new activities. He has severe autism but they somehow communicated with him - through PECs and social stories(photos) and sign language - changed him- he became interested in things.