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Counselling

VizslaMindful October 8, 2020 20:37

Hello I have a 13 year old AS and he's struggling now more than ever. Getting into lots of trouble at school, detention etc. He's pretty horrible to us consistently at home, he doesn't seem to care about anything and this has been a theme throughout his life - nothing bothers or gets to him, he has no friends as he's pretty unkind so it pushes people away. He's diagnosed with ADHD and on meds but I wonder if it's time for him to have some sort of therapy. I'm concerned this is not going to be alleviated without some therapeutic intervention to delve into this with him and us if necessary. He's really starting to go off the rails as he's now 13 it's harder to control him. Anyone got any thoughts on how to access support? Thanks so much.

Edited 17/02/2021
Serrakunda27 October 8, 2020 23:51

sorry its so tough, teens can be very tricky.

You need to contact your post adoption support and ask for an assessment of need. You can apply to the Adoption Support Fund for funding.

The ASF will not fund every type of therapy but if you look it up it gives you a list of what it will fund.

Edited 17/02/2021
onlineteamAUK October 9, 2020 13:06

Good afternoon VizslaMindful,

Sorry to hear you are struggling

Please contact our Helpline team as soon as you can and one of our skilled advisors will be happy to discuss your situation and answer your questions in more detail.

You can email them on [email protected] or call them on 0300 666 0006 Mon - Fri: 10.00 – 14.30 (excluding Bank Holidays)

Edited 17/02/2021

Best wishes, Online Team AUK

Lettice October 10, 2020 09:17

You say he doesn't seem to care and that things don't get to him? What if that's not true, maybe locked-in feelings, maybe a protective shell, maybe not good with words so communicates those feelings in other ways......

I think I'd be looking at the pros and cons of "talking therapies" vs other expressive therapies and activities such as drum circles, music therapy, buddy support, peer support (eg adopted teenager groups), youth theatre, karate, horseriding, rock-climbing. The way these work is to provide a reciprocal relationship that is more easily accessible to him than through talking. Once some non-verbal channels of communication are stronger he will be in a much better position to organise his feelings.

Your choice of options may be limited by funding and what's available in your area, but it's worth pushing for an approach that fits best.

Edited 17/02/2021
windfalls October 11, 2020 21:35

Hi VizslaMindful,

Consider whether or not his ADHD meds need adjusting. Also have a look at Beacon House who provide therapeutic services, although they only cover certain areas and you have to be funded by your local post adoption service. However, as what they offer seems to me to be what you need, I would contact them and see, if you do not live in their area, whether they can point you in the direction of a similar type of service. Other things to consider - assessment for sensory issues ( we are currently looking into this for our ad with an OT who has attachment/developmental trauma expertise), EHCP, look at whether or not his school are giving him the support he needs and indeed whether it is the right school for him.

Hope some of this helps. xx

Edited 17/02/2021

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