Answer Summary

Members rallied around a parent seeking guidance for their 9-year-old son, now 10, who shows signs of autism spectrum disorder and struggles... Read more

Members rallied around a parent seeking guidance for their 9-year-old son, now 10, who shows signs of autism spectrum disorder and struggles with severe anxiety, social withdrawal, and statements about not seeing the point of life, while facing an 12-18 month wait for mental health services. Several members shared practical strategies, including seeking out social skills groups through autism organizations, exploring calming herbal remedies like St. John's Wort while waiting for professional assessment, preparing children well in advance for transitions or changes to reduce overwhelm, and working with child behavior psychologists who can teach both medication management and parenting techniques to prevent meltdowns. A recurring theme was the importance of patience, persistence in advocating for faster care when a child expresses suicidal thoughts, and reassurance that with the right support and understanding, children on the spectrum can learn to manage their challenges and thrive as they grow older.