She also has ASD. It is that bad she won't leave the house. She's only 19. I feel so sorry for her. Anxiety has stopped her from making friends. She also has selective mutism so it is very difficult for her to communicate. She hasn't left the house in 4 weeks and that is only because she had an appointment. When she does go out she feels very dizzy and sick.

I worry about her future. She had to leave college because her anxiety is so bad. She has an appointment to see a therapist on the 24th April, Hopefully she will be able to help.

[msaliamma16]

Selective mutism sucks I had similar problems in year 11. Have u thought about medication to help?

Thanks and yes I have thought about medication but I want to leave it as a last resort. We will see if the therapist can help first. She did see a therapist a few years back but because she wouldn't talk they discharged her which I think is stupid.

[msaliamma16]

Yeah that is stupid how weird

[msaliamma16]

Was she OK at school?

No, She wouldn't talk at school either. She won't go out alone.

[msaliamma16]

Did she stop attending school in the end? It's hard :/ anxiety ruins everything it ruined my life too

She had to go part time at school because she couldn't cope with it..She would only stay about 3 hours then come home.

[msaliamma16]

That's quite good I didn't go much my last year sounds like school was quite accommodating

[msaliamma16]

CUd u have a mental health nurse come to your house?

She had an assessment about 3 months a go from social services, We're waiting to hear what help they can offer, Like a support worker or something like that.

[msaliamma16]

Originally Posted by Lavender.

She had an assessment about 3 months a go from social services, We're waiting to hear what help they can offer, Like a support worker or something like that.

Thats good

[Turtle_Rider]

Can you find out the trigger of the mutism, or what she kind of people she muted to? I'm asperger and have selective mutism too. I muted to people that I don't know well. After years of training, joined organization, etc, now I only mute to people that I hate.

And does your daughter has pet? Having pet can be helpful to improve her mental health.

Lastly, it is not suggestion for anxiety. She can take homeschooling at the moment, so she would not miss her education.

I think she is mostly mute to people that are loud and also people that she has just met. She talks to me and some family members. We have a cat who she loves very much,I agree a pet does seem to help her. She wouldn't talk to her teachers at school or college. She was even mute to most of the kids and she found it so hard to make friends.

[Turtle_Rider]

The cause is same to me. But, I'm not that (sorry) bad. I still able to talk to strangers if I really need help.

Since the cause is same, maybe you can try this. Back then, I joined a community where I strongly interested to. It was a computer club and lucky for me, I found another aspies that still become my good friend till now. However, you have to careful since not all people are nice. Maybe, she can join local ASD community in your area or cat lover community (I once get friend by boasting about my pet turtle). If she did not want to direct socialize uet, try introducing a penpal first.

Sounds like a great idea, However trying to get her out the house is a challenge. We have a break planned for May she is saying that she doesn't want to go (it's only for 5 days)
I am sorry that you have had the same problem as my daughter. I am yet to speak to someone who has these issues like my daughter. It is ruining her life. I hope this therapist will be able to help and not give up on her.

[Sunflower123]

I'm sorry your daughter is having such a hard time. It's not the same thing but I had agoraphobia for several years and had severe anxiety when I would leave the house so I didn't for weeks on end. I hope your daughter finds some solutions that help her feel less anxious.

[Turtle_Rider]

Originally Posted by Lavender.

Sounds like a great idea, However trying to get her out the house is a challenge. We have a break planned for May she is saying that she doesn't want to go (it's only for 5 days)

That's why I suggested penpal. She doesn't have to get out first. I never try a penpal too, so it just my strategy. The penpal friend don't have to be across sea, but in same area. Maybe her penpal could introduce her about some interesting local place or activity that she would like. Later, being wondering about the place/activity, she probably want to get out to observe it. Hope this help and good luck with the theraphist.

Thank you both. I will see if she will try the penpal idea.