My son is 8 years old and was diagnosed with Aspergers last year. He's always been a handful, but just over the last few weeks we've noticed some changes and are consequently in counceling. He's told me he's had thoughts of suicide in the past, but I don't know how serious those thoughts were. He's very secretive with his feelings and in fact seems to enjoy having "secrets" as he calls them. Often times when he's upset he'll share that he has secrets and wants us to be sure to know that we won't know what those secrets are. Seems to bring him a lot of satisfaction and an odd sort of peace.
In any case, I have a lot of concerns about his emotional health and well-being. I actually love that he's different. He's highly intelligent and imaginative and brings us a lot of joy with his stories and silly humor, but then there's the other side that is emotional, frustrated, and sometimes angry to the point he hits, kicks, and curses. He's getting bigger all the time and I don't know what I'll do when he one day is as big or bigger than I am. I really don't have a lot of control over him.
I've started a blog about us... it's really about our relationship, mother and son and what I learn from him as we watch him develop into a young man. You can find us at An Aspie Story
I'd love to have you stop by and share your wisdom with me. I believe we can all learn from one another! I'm very glad to have found this site and look forward to meeting others who've been there/done that!
Maggie
During my teen years, I was
During my teen years, I was often suicidal. Usually over frustration at my own inability to find and keep friends, or over rejection from a girl. I eventually grew out of it, and am now married and relatively happy at 39.
I think the anger and frustration are normal for an aspie going through puberty. Here's some tips:
1. I'm a great believer in Snoezelen therapy for meltdowns. Make sure he has his own private place to go to when he gets angry; and KNOWS that he can go there at any time without punishment.
2. Sometimes maternal interference can make things worse; better to give up a night of your own sleep than to wake him up to "discuss" things at 2 in the morning like my mother used to when I was in trouble.
3. Be aware of what he's carrying in his pockets- especially over-the-counter analgesics, knives, or other weapons. Not necessarily to take them away- but in case of meltdown, I remember threatening other people with knives to make them go away, and also OD'ing on stuff like Tylenol.
4. Encourage social behavior, but be prepared to be supportive when it goes south.