Anxiety/Depression of Asperger Boy

My son is 8 yrs. old and has a diagnosis of Asperger. He used to be a very happy boy, but lately he tantrums more than usual and keeps saying "I want to disappear from the world", "I don't want to live in this world anymore", "I don't want to be seen or heard anymore".... things like that. He does not want to go out of the house, has no friends at all, says he is bored but does not want to do anything except watch tv and use internet, and I know these are not phrases he heard because I monitor what he watches, sees in the web or reads. He is very anxious about separating from me, he keeps thinking that I am going to die and is very, very anxious. He keeps saying to me to take care of myself and to protect him. I have depression since I can remember (5 yrs. old) and his father has panic attacks, so I guess this may be hereditary. My question is, should I contact a psychologist, with his condition he is not likely to talk about bothers him, or should I take him to a psychiatrist?  Thank You.

[Jason C Bourret, Ph.D., BCBA-D]

I would recommend that you contact a psychologist or a psychiatrist. Look for someone who has experience working with children like your son. Your son is quite young and it will be important for you to consider whether or not you would be in favor of medication for him. There is a wide range in approaches taken by various therapists and vast differences in how much emphasis is placed on medication. The types of behavior you describe are not uncommon in typically developing individuals (i.e., your own experience with depression at a young age) and many people struggle with these issues.  It might take some time and trying a few different therapists, but you’ll need to find someone who works well with you and your son.