I feel like giving up

[adrianna22]

Don't judge me please.

But I'm feeling rather depressed. This could be because DS is starting reception and has significant delays.

I feel like giving up and walking away but I obviously I wouldn't as my love for DS is unimaginable and couldn't imagine him not in my life.

But the more his growing and his speech is significantly delayed. He is getting more behavioural. He has even started to bite his hand or throw things around when his angry. Something he has never done before.

I'm tired, I worry everyday, I spend a lot of money on intervention for DS. I just feel like giving up at times.

[Gymbob]

We wouldn't dream of judging you.

I feel like that every day! Mine is almost 16 and more difficult now than as a 3 year old.

Your boy sounds frustrated. does he have a dx, and do you have some support for yourself?

big hugs to you xxx

[adrianna22]

He is very frustrated at the moment,

He has an autism diagnosis. But he bites his hand when he is angry and can't express himself verbally. It's just horrible to see.

Thanks.

[Firsttimer7259]

It is just unbelievably hard sorry you are feeling so low. I'd echo polter on the sensory stuff. And on behaviour as communication. Don't know if I can really add anything helpful - you could try giving him something else to bite when he's biting himself. My dd likes to bite a cloth and we find chewy tubes helpful. She has one pinned to her clothing and now generally uses it when she needs to hire

[Firsttimer7259]

Not hire bite - Garr

[Gymbob]

I would also say don't try to stop him when he self harms (biting), maybe distraction techniques instead?

More big hugs to you xxxx

[adrianna22]

Thanks everyone for the advice.

I've been spending loads on books, i.e. autism, strategies, developing language skills, courses about communication aids. Toys to help him develop his play skills etc.

DS is not entitled to an Occupational therapist as his other motor, fine motor skills are too good.

I'm going to try distracting him from his self injury behaviour. I like the sound of the chewy tubes.

[Hedger]

I completely understand and have felt exactly the same myself. It's only because you love him so much that you feel this way.

I'm new to all of this myself but have you applied for DLA? I think there are also private charity contributions such as the Caldwell Trust that you can look into for financial help?

The things that help me when I am feeling low are trying to get lots of sleep, trying to spend a few hours a week out with some upbeat friends and, also, I have recently read a couple of books by parents of children that made me feel a lot more positive - one is George and Sam by Charlotte Moore and the other is A Real Boy by Christopher Stevens. I think I have read each about three times in the last few months!

Try to stay positive (easier said than done I know) - now your DS is starting at reception his progress may start picking up.

If you really are feeling down, please go and see your GP. Anti-depressants helped me so much for a short while when I felt like everything was hopeless.

Hugs to you - you sound like a lovely mother who is doing everything you can for your son.