All Communities > Autism/Asperger's/PDD Awareness > Suicidal Thoughts of 9 yr old Aspbergers child

Suicidal Thoughts of 9 yr old Aspbergers child

Mark - posted on 07/21/2011 ( 1 mom has responded )

4

0

I was scanning this site and came across another post regarding suicidal thoughts from their Aspbergers child: http://www.circleofmoms.com/autismasperg...
Today we had to take our son to the emergency because he made the comment he wanted to go somewhere and hang himself than go to his therapy appt. I told my wife those comments should be taken seriously. They went to therapy and she mentioned to his therapist who in turn instructed us to immediately seek medical attention. We've seen different doctors, psychologists,but can't get to the root of this anger/frustration and his moods within last 2 months have been more on the extreme high/lo scale. People on here mentioned "mental health professional" and I am curious as to what specifically worked for them - psychologist/psychiatrist/combination, etc? It's been a frustrating 5 yrs and we don't seem to be getting anywhere. Any help or personal experiences on what worked for you is appreciated. It's very emotionally draining as a parent to watch an innocent 9 yr old having to deal with such a big challenge.

Join Circle of Moms

Sign up for Circle of Moms and be a part of this community! Membership is just one click away.

Join Circle of Moms

1 Comment

View replies by

Jane - posted on 07/21/2011

2,390

262

My son first tried to kill himself at age 7 by jumping out of a moving car. He went to short-term inpatient treatment where it was found that he was also Bipolar. His meds were changed to include meds for bipolar. He also sees a psychiatrist and a psychologist and sometimes also a counselor (for family therapy, to help all of us learn how to work together better). He has been hospitalized several more times over the years, culminating with 5 months in residential treatment.

He is doing better now that he is age 16, but we still have to watch him for changes. He is still on meds for Bipolar Disorder and he still sees his docs.

One of the most important things is to find a psychologist who is a good fit for your child, as well as a counseling method that works. Also, you need to find a psychiatrist who will happily work together with the psychologist you have chosen. I also suggest keeping a behavior journal day-by-day so you can try to pinpoint triggers for negative moods.

Bear in mind also that as puberty approaches hormone changes will make his moods more intense. This situation may also be life-long so you need to keep teaching your son that he needs to keep taking his meds and monitoring his own moods, just as a diabetic needs to take their insulin.

Good luck! It's been a 16 year journey for us, and it is far from over.

Want to find out the opinions of this community?

Add Poll