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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not want to look after my daughter any more

414 replies

Goaheadflameme · 27/07/2025 17:58

My daughter is 8. She is recently diagnosed with autism. No problems at school but a nightmare at home.

Predictably, being out of the school routine has made her challenging behaviour more challenging. She regularly tells me she hates me, wishes I was dead, that things would be better without me. Everytime
I say something she mocks me. She won’t do anything she is told and consequences are meaningless as she just doesn’t care. Today she has also thrown food round the living room and when I tried to stop this she has violently attacked me multiple times. Previously she has broken my finger and scratched me to the extent that I was hospitalised due to a serious infection in my arm.

I just honestly can’t do it any more. This has been going on for more than two years now. It’s completely ruining me, my relationship with my husband and our family life (we have other children). The violence triggers me so badly due to childhood abuse and I don’t feel safe in my own home.

Do social services take children away in these circumstances?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
Sunshine5791 · 27/07/2025 19:43

You’ve had excellent advice from @ExtraOnions.

we have been through similar to what you describe.

DD was ‘fine’ at school, but at home was completely different. A TA once witnessed her behaviour at home and was absolutely shocked. School did not believe what I was describing. Have you heard of masking? And after school collapse? The bottle of pop analogy? If your daughter is masking through out the day, she will be exhausted, and potentially, all that stress is being released on to you. Does your dd have any extra support at school and are you in contact with the SENCO? my best advice is not to be fobbed off by school saying there is nothing they can do because your daughter is ‘fine’ at school. In my experience, the Social Communication will be proving tricky for your child as will the sensory environment. If school can support this and put some extra provision in place, it may support you at home.

You are your daughter’s safe space. She knows you will love her unconditionally so is able to let out all the ‘big emotions’ out with you that have built up while she is having to hold it all together at school.

my dd has suffered an autistic burnout from having to manage school. She is now out of school and we have changed our parenting style completely. We no longer have any violence or meltdowns and things are much calmer at home.

OldMcDonaldHadABigMac · 27/07/2025 19:49

We had this with my brother when he was younger. He knew what he was doing as he didn't do it to his peers. I think it went on for a few months, after my finger being broken, my mum having a black eye etc and eventually my dad started hitting back when my brother attacked him/the rest of the family. It worked.

I'm so sorry you're going through this. It almost broke my mum and the rest of us tbh.

Wantingtomove123 · 27/07/2025 19:49

I second taking extraonion’s advice and other posters who suggested Autistic girls network, Pathological Demand Avoidance and Dr Naomi Fisher. The usual advice for dealing with NT kids will not work with an autistic kid.

KarmaKameelion · 27/07/2025 19:50

Are you in a position to pay for private assessment and help? Can you apply for DLA and use this? if you are - would you consider sharing your location so if anyone has any recommendations?

i dont know what to add other than i am sure you must feel alone and asking for help is never the wrong thing to do - whether that’s social services or Facebook groups for parents of children with asd.

FrostiesAreCornflakesForPeopleWhoCantFaceReality · 27/07/2025 19:52

I would (and have myself in the past) self refer to social services for urgent help. Where I lived at the time they were the gate keepers for all practical help and support. It might differ from one area to another but it’s a good start.

A visit to the GP for you to discuss how best to help your mental health might be a good idea too. And a frank discussion with your husband about how best to support each other. My heart goes out to you. It’s hard.

Solocup · 27/07/2025 19:53

Social services have support available. Some respite care might be enough. I work in the same sector; it’s quite common for an increase in children being placed in care in the holidays. You’re not alone.

Hankunamatata · 27/07/2025 19:56

Would she cope in a summer scheme. Friends asc dc copes better with routine of going to a predictable summer scheme every day when not at school

PoxyAndIKnowIt · 27/07/2025 19:56

neverbeenskiing · 27/07/2025 19:05

What medications are you referring to? The Child Psychiatrists I've worked with would not be willing to prescribe medication to an Autistic 8 year old because their parents were struggling to manage their behaviour.

Hi @neverbeenskiing , my DD was prescribed Fluoxetine at age 10, then Risperodone (antipsychotic) at 12 (nearly 13) so not quite at age 8, no, but I did meet another parent at her school whose son was prescribed Fluoxetine at 9.

It may be unusual and "off license" but it does happen.

RedRock41 · 27/07/2025 20:01

Unfortunately there is a real lack of support for families in your situation. You need to speak to Citizens Advice to get a Child DLA application in. With extra £s you’ll have more options. Ask for an emergency appointment with your GP. Raise it as an adult/child safeguarding issue. Tell them you need an urgent referral to the right agency. If DD is in mainstream would being in a school that can better help her cope with meltdowns be better? Then read and learn all you can about her conditions. At the moment sounds like you are all broken and struggling. Can’t be easy feeling like you are the ‘bad’ and ‘different’ one either. You urgently need a break. Any way you can take the other DC and let DH deal with DD so you can recharge. As hard as it is, you know what it’s like having a crappy childhood. DD didn’t ask to have the issues she has either and needs you to be strong, fair and able to cope. Key is getting you the support and resources as well as lots of recovery time to do that. Wishing you the best of luck. Toughest job there is parenting a child with special needs.

BrentfordForever · 27/07/2025 20:01

neverbeenskiing · 27/07/2025 19:05

What medications are you referring to? The Child Psychiatrists I've worked with would not be willing to prescribe medication to an Autistic 8 year old because their parents were struggling to manage their behaviour.

They re not just struggling, they’re facing violent behaviours

common prescription is Risperidon from 6+, absolutely life changing

long term SSRIs

Hummusandcrisps · 27/07/2025 20:05

Excellent advice from @ExtraOnions my son is 4 - diagnosed with ASD at 3. Has PDA profile. I've had a black eye, cuts, bruises, hair pulled out. He is "fine" at school but as soon as we pick him up from school, turn the corner, he loses it, the violence towards the end of term was off the charts. I really feel for you OP. It's so bloody hard and exhausting. I'm always on edge. It's really important to have some time to yourself in the week. Just to decompress. And you need your husband on board with a strategy on how to help. It can't all fall on you.
We find that following similar advice to @ExtraOnions has really helped. I noticed that when others have told him he's naughty. Or bad etc he's felt ashamed. It's so important to use positive reinforcement, emphasis the good, tell them they're loved no matter what. They can't control it.

RareAzureBee · 27/07/2025 20:07

LancashireButterPie · 27/07/2025 19:18

OP, if you can, look up Dr Naomi Fisher on FB.
Her advice really helped turn things around for my ASD DD and I.
Also using the principles of low demand parenting worked for me.

Yep I second this get her book “when the naughty step makes things worse” - I know your exhausted and thinking you probably don’t have the time or energy to read a book but it’s available as an audiobook and with an audible trial you can then cancel but keep the book, it will help you work out if PDA might be an issue and explain where ideas about traditional parenting come from (mainly men writing books about mothers in the 1950’s that we are all still following) and explains low demand parenting.

Mini2025 · 27/07/2025 20:10

There's a book called The Explosive Child on Amazon.

It might have some pointer.

I'm very sorry you're going through this OP. I have ASD kids but they are not violent. I can't imagine how hard that must. My heart goes out to you. I hope you can gain some help from these other posters.

it sounds like school itself is a massive trigger? What is your DD like on the weekends or holidays? Perhaps it's school? If it was, that would be relief almost because if you were able to change the environment, perhaps it might help and she might calm down?

SameOldMe · 27/07/2025 20:11

Your not alone, there is very little support for children with complex needs, my middle daughter has autism, adhd with pda and ocd traits. Just today she has thorwn a studded football boot into my face because of a change in routine. There's so many days when I have contemplated if I can go on.

Apply for DLA, and get an occupational therapist. Try not to listen to anyone who doesn't have a ND child as they have no idea. Go your GP and ask for the 'right to choose' if you don't already have a diagnosis. Sending you love, your doing best in very difficult circumstances.

Tistheseason17 · 27/07/2025 20:11

We are 2 years into the journey from ASD diagnosis with PDA. Had no idea how helpless and exhausted I would feel. Just remember she is still your little girl underneath - she's feeling out of control and dysregulated. Bearing in mind the physical assaults on you and your need for swift action - next episode - if you can get hr in the car -- get her to your local Children's A&E. They have CAMHS all set up there. CAMHS will support you if you explain harm to others, harm to herself and family breakdown. The reality is you are living all of this. You are not to blame, you need help. You will need to lay it on thicker - tell them bout your worst day (which is prob 6/7 days anyway). Learning about how to manage PDA was a massive game changer for me. We still get loads of tough days but they are more manageable and less extreme with violence to herself/sibling.

FedupMum2024 · 27/07/2025 20:14

My god she sounds absolutely vile.
My kids can be like this with me but thank the lord they are in their teens now and the end is in sight for me but I know what it's like to be abused daily by your own flesh and blood. If it were a man subjecting us to all this then we would get all the help and support in the world but because they are our children we are expected to just put up and shut up.
Honestly OP, I think if I had an 8 year old like this then she would have to go into care. Especially if she is breaking your bones etc. Not on.

People just don't think of this when they try for a baby! We all imagine the cute newborn baby but we don't anticipate the fact they could grow into these violent abusive monsters.

💐

Praying4Peace · 27/07/2025 20:17

monkeysox · 27/07/2025 18:16

GP. Tomorrow tell them everything.

This, you need to access some regular respite support.
My heart goes out to you OP

Sunshineandoranges · 27/07/2025 20:20

Have you contacted the autism charities…lots of help and advice from them I think.

Hollowvoice · 27/07/2025 20:20

I don't have the spoons to reply fully right now but I just wanted to say you are not alone. It's really, really hard and we are (mostly) through the violence now but it's been a bloody difficult journey.
I will try to post our experience tomorrow but would absolutely suggest getting in touch with Early Help as a starting point

myfourbubbas1 · 27/07/2025 20:21

Has anyone mentioned PDA to you at all?
As a part of her autism. It very much sounds to me like she could be displaying a set of traits called PDA. Have a look at the PDA society website and see what you think.

PDA children really do struggle with the demands of everyday life, they live in a constant fight/flight/freeze state Parenting a child with PDA is very difficult and traditional styles of parenting/rewards/discipline don't work, they just make things worse.
It is hard to get help but changing certain things on daily life can really help.
At peace parenting on Facebook is a good lady to follow for ideas.

FedupMum2024 · 27/07/2025 20:21

Sunshine5791 · 27/07/2025 19:43

You’ve had excellent advice from @ExtraOnions.

we have been through similar to what you describe.

DD was ‘fine’ at school, but at home was completely different. A TA once witnessed her behaviour at home and was absolutely shocked. School did not believe what I was describing. Have you heard of masking? And after school collapse? The bottle of pop analogy? If your daughter is masking through out the day, she will be exhausted, and potentially, all that stress is being released on to you. Does your dd have any extra support at school and are you in contact with the SENCO? my best advice is not to be fobbed off by school saying there is nothing they can do because your daughter is ‘fine’ at school. In my experience, the Social Communication will be proving tricky for your child as will the sensory environment. If school can support this and put some extra provision in place, it may support you at home.

You are your daughter’s safe space. She knows you will love her unconditionally so is able to let out all the ‘big emotions’ out with you that have built up while she is having to hold it all together at school.

my dd has suffered an autistic burnout from having to manage school. She is now out of school and we have changed our parenting style completely. We no longer have any violence or meltdowns and things are much calmer at home.

I hate this 'you are her safe space' nonsense so often spouted on here.
There is no excuse for a child to physically lash out and break the bones of their loving parent.
Even at 8, and with all the special needs in the world, they need to be taught that this is NOT okay!
The autistic lad who lobbed a poor little french boy off the Tate Modern a few years ago and paralysed him used to lash out at his family and the doctors used this 'family are his safe space' crap with him as well!

Would an abusive male partner be excused because his girlfriend is his 'safe space'?

Zellycat · 27/07/2025 20:21

Goaheadflameme · 27/07/2025 17:58

My daughter is 8. She is recently diagnosed with autism. No problems at school but a nightmare at home.

Predictably, being out of the school routine has made her challenging behaviour more challenging. She regularly tells me she hates me, wishes I was dead, that things would be better without me. Everytime
I say something she mocks me. She won’t do anything she is told and consequences are meaningless as she just doesn’t care. Today she has also thrown food round the living room and when I tried to stop this she has violently attacked me multiple times. Previously she has broken my finger and scratched me to the extent that I was hospitalised due to a serious infection in my arm.

I just honestly can’t do it any more. This has been going on for more than two years now. It’s completely ruining me, my relationship with my husband and our family life (we have other children). The violence triggers me so badly due to childhood abuse and I don’t feel safe in my own home.

Do social services take children away in these circumstances?

To answer your question - technically yes. If you request CSC to take your child, because u cannot care for them, and they are supposed to.

If you are desperate, they are supposed to.

However, it’s very likely they won’t want to, not sure if it’s idealism (children best at home) or costs.

I know many SEN children are very challenging physically, and harming family and more so with mum. Many inexperienced people will blame you, but it’s not true. The Challenging Behaviour Foundation might be able to help.

Tred very carefully w CSC, ask for help, despite, residential school. Don’t give up.

please take notes of every person u talk to name, job title, date & time. Send follow up emails with summary.

never let them inspect your home without prior warning. If they try, it’s because they want to prove you are unfit … and not take your child but blame you for her chromosomal driven behavior . (They will say meds need to be locked up, scissors, knives etc aren’t locked up - and you are wrong)

Tia247 · 27/07/2025 20:21

OldMcDonaldHadABigMac · 27/07/2025 19:49

We had this with my brother when he was younger. He knew what he was doing as he didn't do it to his peers. I think it went on for a few months, after my finger being broken, my mum having a black eye etc and eventually my dad started hitting back when my brother attacked him/the rest of the family. It worked.

I'm so sorry you're going through this. It almost broke my mum and the rest of us tbh.

How awful, if he is autistic then he was obviously completely overwhelmed, he was just masking all day at school and then it became too much at home and he lashed out. Hitting a disabled child is absolutely vile please don't listen to this sort of nonsense OP.

OP does your dd have her own room (just asking because you say you have other kids) I have one with ASD and I would say this is absolutely vital for his well being. She needs somewhere she can be alone, feel safe and decompress. If she doesn't currently have her own room I would do whatever you need to do to make this happen.

The next thing I would suggest would be a daily routine for her, all written out and followed as closely as possible every day. Part of the reason she copes so much better at school is because there is a routine everyday and so she knows what to expect. If you can put in a routine for her with meals, getting dressed etc, time playing games/doing something with you, going for a walk, watching tv, doing a craft activity/building lego, reading her a story or whatever else she does to fill the day then I bet her behaviour will improve. It will be really important to stick to the routine though and if something has to change then give her lots of warning. Let her have as much time alone in her room as she likes though, if this is something that she wants/needs.

What do you do when she mocks you OP? Are you sure she definitely is mocking you first? Repeating back what's been said might help her with processing it. If you're sure she's mocking then a simple 'it's rude to mock people please don't do it' will be enough. Leave it at that and repeat in calmly every time she does it. Do not escalate it into anything else. If she tells you she hates you or whatever then just tell her you love her no matter what.

If she won't do anything she's told it might be that she has a PDA profile, this means that anything you ask her to do feels like a ton of pressure coming down on her and is just too much. It's extremely hard work. Make everything a choice as much as you possibly can. Avoid telling her what she has to do - if her room is a mess then let her have her room as mess - it probably all makes sense to her. If she doesn't want to get dressed in the holidays then don't make her - pick your battles with a lot of thought. Don't bother with consequences if they don't work, just calmly tell her that her behaviour is unacceptable and walk away.

Think about why she is doing what she is doing. Why wasn't she eating the food? Was she not hungry? Did she not like the food? Is she bored? Was she just trying to get your attention? I would have everyone sit down together and eat, she's much more likely to eat properly is meal times are part of a routine where everyone sits down and eats together - 'fussy' eating is also extremely common with ASD because children often can't cope with certain textures or tastes.

If she is doing something that you don't want her to do ie throwing food around and you know her response to you is going to be violent then just don't challenge her. The food is already thrown, it will already need to be cleaned up, there is no point putting yourself at risk of getting hurt too. I would try a 'what's wrong' approach. Ask her calmly why she is throwing the food - there must be some reason for it. Then deal with the reason. If it's because it's fun or because she wants to or some other 'silly' reason then suggest you and her do something fun together instead - just as soon as you've cleared up the mess together. The more of your time you give her OP, the more of your time she will want and the better she will behave to get your time and attention. Work out what she loves doing and use that to your advantage.

Make things fun for her OP and reward her with your time and attention. She desperately wants and needs it I promise you. But you will need to put in lots of effort to do it and make it work and it's not easy when you're juggling other kids too - it will pay off though. The last thing I'd suggest is noticing every single time she does something good. She sits and eats nicely - notice it and praise it. She plays with something nicely for five minutes, notice it and praise it (if you don't want to interrupt her behaving nicely then comment on it later). Look for the good all the time.

It's exhausting having an autistic child OP but I absolutely promise you that the more time and effort you put into making things work for her the better it will be for you all. She loves you and relies on you so much Op because you're her mum.
Good luck!

Lettie365 · 27/07/2025 20:24

Sorry to say that where we live I have begged them to take our 13 year old for the sake of our other children’s safety and for all
our mental healths but there is no provision. We are now in the situation where I and the other children live separately from my husband and the 13 yr old whilst we all try and recover from the trauma of it all. It’s crap. I hope it doesn’t end this way for you. Our 13 yr old is currently diagnosed adhd but probably autistic too. Until I or my husband beats her up they wouldn’t house her outside if our home. Obviously this isn’t what we want so everyone else is suffering a depressed and separated family because no one could help her.