My 13 year old son (autism/adhd) is a dream 80% of the time but one of his struggles is telling himself “no” when there is not a parent or “authority figure “ around him. It not dangerous things he’s choosing… he is constantly eating snacks at night when told he can’t. He is left with healthy options if he does get hungry and is also told to brush teeth after. This doesn’t happen… we resorted to literally locking up the fridge and cabinets with snacks. He’d open boxes of cake mix or find frosting (now locked up). He feels guilty and legit “can’t help it”. He does not struggle with this when dad and I are awake it’s only when he is home by himself or when we are sleeping. He has appropriate consequences, but still as much as he hates them they don’t deter…
Suggestions????
I know it takes time but after a year it’s not any better. It’s NOT an addiction, it’s easily controlled when there is supervision.
My fear is his overall and dental health. Again, He has choices to eat or drink if hungry at night, we make him heat before bed, and give him water to have in his room