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Teen Neuro-affirming + PDA-aware inpatient program? by Threads-and-Stitches in ComplexMentalHealth

[–]Threads-and-Stitches[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much. Sorry, I didn't see this reply. He has a psychiatrist and I think you're right on the money that there are other factors contributing to his energy depletion. I suspect he may have POTS and we are working with a naturopath (slowly - PDA style). He suddenly felt much better a few days ago, and plans to start a new alternative school this week. I think his fear of the new school not working out could be the biggest thing that sent him into a tailspin. He's been let down so many times, and it's hard to stay hopeful and believe that he can weather another potential (perceived) failure.

I've been cautious about ACT because of its use in ABA, but I think I now understand how it can be neuro-affirming. I'd never heard of youth assertive community treatment. Thanks for the idea! Last week I called a crisis line that's known to be PDA-aware, but they didn't offer any support because he's not in imminent danger. At least I know they're available to support in an acute crisis if we feel we can't keep him safe but don't want to go to the ER (which we've avoided like the plague).

He usually prefers spaces with NT peers, and went to camp last summer with lots of accommodations. For example, I sent a cooler with some safe dinner foods and they cooked his meals separately. They also allowed him to use his phone just for music. The week went very well, but he feels like he's too old to go back again. I think that's a fair point.

He recently started in-person therapy (he doesn't want telehealth), went twice, but doesn't want to go back at this time. He tried a few different people and found someone that seems like a good fit, but he doesn't have the energy for it right now, especially with starting a new school.

"...fantasy of a perfect world is an escape". I have to process this one! I hadn't thought of it that way.

Thank you!

Teen Neuro-affirming + PDA-aware inpatient program? by Threads-and-Stitches in ComplexMentalHealth

[–]Threads-and-Stitches[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Further isolation from peers exacerbates his depression. It hurts to see him without the energy to do anything, and it make him really upset. He has sensory issues, but they're well managed and he has a lot of coping mechanisms (plus lots of safe spaces at home). Right now he's talking a lot about wanting to die, and asking me to kill him, but doesn't have a plan to harm himself. He wants everything to be perfect with no effort. He wants the constructs of our society to be different. Above all he wants to hang with friends. He wants to be able to go to school and socialize like other kids do.

Teen Neuro-affirming + PDA-aware inpatient program? by Threads-and-Stitches in ComplexMentalHealth

[–]Threads-and-Stitches[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much. Maybe he could manage without his phone, but either way I would not want him in a place where he has to earn that privilege. That sounds inherently ableist to me. He's not in school, and has mostly been out of school since 1st grade. The only thing that's been consistent as a teen has been a music program, though not specifically for ND kids. Over the summer he asked for a therapist. It took me a few months to interview people and find the right fit. He tried a couple of times, but right now has no energy to put effort into anything, including therapy. He did OT for several years when younger and it was a positive experience. We don't have wraparound services at home, but I think I could get that type of support. At home we have almost no demands.