A stressed-out mum has admitted her son's behaviour is so bad she sometimes wishes she'd 'never had him'.
The woman said her four-year-old son often lashes out and has 'regularly' split her lip and given her black eyes.
The mum-of-two says she thinks he has undiagnosed autism and his behaviour is so terrible she sometimes finds herself "wishing she never had him".
Sharing her troubles on Mumsnet, she said: "My DS is 4 and has what I believe to be undiagnosed autism. Strong family history including his older sibling.
"Truth is, I find myself wishing I had never had him. I know how that sounds and I hate myself for it but he is so spiteful, unreasonable and just generally unpleasant to be around.
"He splits our lips on a regular basis, has given us black eyes, has broken £££‘s of our belongings.
"He doesn’t respond to behaviour techniques and joke of it is, in my line of work, I am very confident in these strategies.
"He is making his sibling’s life miserable to the point where they recently said they wish he’d never been born.
"I just don’t understand it, he can’t enjoy being like this either, surely.
"I have asked for support for whoever will listen: HV, GP, child development centre, social services.
"All I’ve been told is “in your line of work, you know what you’re doing with him. You’re doing a good job.” Clearly I’m not given how violent he is!
"He’s had a stage one assessment for autism but they said as he’s so friendly, it’s unlikely (which is rubbish as was told same about older child and they received a diagnosis some years later once school picked up on issues.)
"I don’t have a second to myself except for work but I dread every weekend as it’s always the same.
"Sorry for the long post but hugely struggling with him. Of course I love him but I genuinely feel that I cannot cope with him anymore.
"Please can anyone offer any pearls of wisdom?"
The mum was inundated with positive responses from fellow mums who told her she needed to reach out for professional help.
One said: 'I'm so sorry you're in this situation. Nobody ever knows who they will get when they have a baby. You are not alone. It's not your fault.
"You need help, and you need it fast. I really hope you can access family support and respite. Hang on in there."
Another said: 'I’m so sorry OP. I have no experience but grew up with an older brother who has severe mental health disorders.
"Your children may say these things in the heat of the moment but they fiercely love their sibling and know it’s not by choice he struggles. As for what to do, I honestly couldn’t tell you. Take it one baby step at a time and keep asking for help. "
Another woman said: 'You need to get the ball rolling for a diagnosis though.
"I work with adults who are autistic in supported living. Love my job but after a long shift I am so drained. I often think of parents who must be at breaking point with their kids. Must be very tough."
Another mum of two autistic sons said respite was a healthy solution. She added: 'Sending hugs I have 2 autistic sons so know how hard it is it.
"We’ve recently started getting respite which is a lifesaver, definitely contact social services for a carers assessment."
If you are effected by any of the issues raised in this story you can contact Mind Mindinfoline on 0300 123 3393, 9am-6pm Monday-Friday, email info@mind.org.uk or see mind.org.uk
Or contact Family Action on 0808 802 6666, Monday-Friday 9m-10pm, or text: 07537 404 282, or email : NDPSS@family-action.org.uk or see family-action.org.uk
Scottish Autism also offers support call 01259 222022, Tuesday – Friday: 10am - 4pm. Email advice@scottishautism.org
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