My son’s tantrums are unbearable – and getting any support for us is impossible

DEAR DEIDRE: IT’S been problem after problem with my son and getting any kind of support has been impossible.

His behaviour has become uncontrollable and no matter what I do, he never listens.

I’m at a loss over what to do and it’s beginning to get me down.

I’m a 37-year-old dad and my partner is 38. Our son is six.

He has always been an anxious child and has really huge tantrums.

However, in the last two years things have only escalated.

Teachers are constantly commenting on his lack of concentration, in and out of class, and that he’s vastly behind in his learning and development.

At home, he’s become so hot-headed and rarely listens to me whenever I tell him to do anything.

Sometimes he will punch and bite me and really struggles with loud noises, new foods and certain textures.

Putting him to bed has also become a huge struggle.

I’ve been back and forth to the doctors with him countless times but they refuse to acknowledge there is anything wrong.

They keep refusing to provide us with any kind of support or to test him for any behavioural issues.

I know there’s something wrong but I feel like I’m out of options.

DEIDRE SAYS: I can only imagine how very stressful this must be for you. It does sound as if your son needs some extra support.

Visit your doctor again and insist on an assessment or a referral to a paediatrician. Do not take no for an answer.

Also talk to his school and ask them for their support. They should have an SEN specialist who can advise and support you.

Some of the traits you have described are associated with autism so it would be worth having a look at the National Autistic Society’s website for more information (autism.org.uk).