My son is 26years old has autism with learning difficulties

[Porbander]

Dear Sir/Madam,

My son is 26 years old and has autism with learning difficulties. He was at two different residential settings in the space of 12 years, however the transition afterwards was not smooth. He moved back home in 2017, and for a year we didn't receive any support. Since this time we are struggling to get the right support for him. We are getting 15 hours a week from the council now, however the support workers that we are getting are not fully qualified in working with autistic people. My family and I are struggling to handle his day to day issues such as hygiene and him getting the correct nutrition. Since the first lockdown in 2020, he has lost the confidence to go out often. Also, since this time, he has also grown an unhealthy obsession of astrology and Tarot cards. He calls different "astrologers" around the world, who are usually scammers taking advantage of him being vulnerable and using it as easy money.

He has been talking to a tarot card reader for three days and she said that he will receive a message from his "soul mate" etc. This obviously did not happen and now Rahul believes that they "did not do the right spell". Now he is more frustrated. I am sick worried that this "astrologer" has threatened my son somehow and I am worried about his mental health due to this. If we refuse to give him the money to pay these "psychics" he throws big tantrums which effect the family.

The social worker we have is aware of all these issues and came to do a review in September, however, even after sending multiple emails, from Rahul's councillor and support workers side, we have not received any report or support. I would like this sorted before it gets too late. I would really appreciate your support.

Today he has contacted another astrologer, he wants to pay them £80 to remove spell from his soulmate.

I am lost and frustrated

Thank you,

Raxa Kanabar

Sent from my Galaxy

[Hidden]

Buy tarot or get set of cards and do your own reading? Or get him book on it?

[Jofisher]

Speak to the mencap helpline the Autistic society and it sounds like he needs an advocate they’re called IMCA’s independent mental capacity advocates. Or if you can afford aN independent social worker consultant I used one she’s been totally invaluable so there’s a few ideas for you. Best Wishes

[Eeviee]

Hi there. I agree with jofisher that you should get in touch with mencap directly as you will need to get some support and if not from the council then an independent social worker might do the trick. Certainly it sounds like your son needs some intervention in the form of a psychologist who can help him with these thoughts and behaviours. You are in a very difficult situation and you may have to consider asking the local authority to move your son out of the family home. As he is over 18 he is not your legal responsibility. An independent social worker might get results quicker for you. Good luck

[Porbander]

Thank you very much for your advise , I am not getting any support from any where.

[Lindypops56]

Do you have welfare power of attorney or legal powers to manage his finances? If so you need to not allow him access to the internet and put limits to his ability to spend unlimited amounts.We had problems with our adult autistic son spending huge amounts of money and being vulnerable to exploitation. We live in Scotland where the laws are slightly different but we have welfare guardianship which allows us to restrict his spending and internet access to keep him safe. He is much happier and less stressed with these strict controls. There will be similar legal powers in England which MENCAP should be able to advise you about.