Autism reclusiveness

[Whistlejacket]

My 25 yr old high functioning autistic son, diagnosed 5 years ago, has gradually become a recluse and is in his room on his computer all day except for coming down to eat. We used to play board games on alternate nights but he no longer engages. The only times he leaves the house are for the dentist and hair cuts, escorted by one of us. The only other person he speaks to is his private counsellor, once a week. He won't talk about reasons why he's reclusive or in fact about anything relating to his autism. I can't even say if he's happy.

I'm worried about the future, but also about both his physical and mental health now. I need help for him directly, not through me, but I don't know how to get any. The local adult service provides no follow up and we are still waiting for an ADHD assessment (5 years and counting).

[Bluey203]

Hi, I can completely relate to the worry and distress you must be feeling for your son.You could have been describing my eldest son, he also has autism and severe generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). He left school at 17 due to his anxiety and basically stayed in his room gaming all night and sleeping most of the day, his friends were those he played online, none in 'the real world'.

I ended up contacting a company that help those who are struggling and 'NEET' ( not in education, employment, or training) called 'Eat That Frog' they are based in the SouthWest. Over several years they helped his confidence so much, he made friends there too which meant alot to him and me, they have struggles just like him, he regularly games and plays dungeons and dragons with them. ETF also did The Princes Trust which increased his confidence and self worth. Now age 24, he has just started a job in Mc Donalds , which I couldn't have imagined a couple years ago.

He is also on Lustral sertraline which helped his anxiety, without it he wouldn't have ventured out, he started on 50mg and now on 100mg which he's stayed at for a few years now.

I'm sure there must be other companies that do the same in other areas of the country, definitely worth a try. Wishing you the best of luck, things will improve I'm sure.

Here's a link so you can see the company we contacted -

eatthatfrog.ac.uk/