Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

DH can’t cope with autistic son

242 replies

legolegolegolego · 17/08/2019 19:48

(Reposting In Aibu)DS is struggling to cope with our autistic son. We have a 3 year old boy who’s not yet diagnosed but is on the way to being statemented and having a formal diagnosis. His diagnosis is currently Global Developmental Delay with a severe speech delay. DH struggles to cope with his behaviour (opening and shutting cupboard doors and climbing furniture) and shouts at him if he’s misbehaves. This results in ds screaming loudly and having a meltdown. This evening it came to a head where ds shouted that he can’t cope anymore and that we would have to put ds into care. He said it’s not like he would know where he was anyway. All this in front of our 7 year old. He stormed out of the room before shouting into DS(3) “Do you even know that I’m here?”. It’s not the first time he’s said that he can’t look after him anymore. He has openly regretted us having DS although he says he loves him. He calls me the strong one in our relationship. DS has made good progress in the last few months and is getting lots of support but it’s hard to deal with dh’s negativity and outbursts. We are entitled to free counciling with a Carers centre and hoping that will help. When we received DS’s GDD diagnosis DH plunged into a deep depression. DH has mental health issues going back a long time. Tbh he’s been vile to ds tonight, saying he’s “not right in the head” and shouting at him “why won’t you speak”. Ds was making noises at the dinner table and DH stormed off saying how he couldn’t stand the noises he makes. Ds is much easier to handle when DH isn’t around tbh. Ds is not the problem now. It’s dh’s dreadful attitude.

OP posts:
Nanny0gg · 17/08/2019 20:55

I'm sorry, OP, it did.

However, that's your husband's doing, not yours.

user1471462428 · 17/08/2019 20:55

Your 7 year old sounds lovely and you are trying so hard. I too think it’s best their dad leaves. However, I know how hard it can be to end things. My partner is abusive and we live under the threat of his dark moods. I worry about working and being ill if I end up alone. Think both of our kids lives would be happier without their dads in it. Best of luck

ElfridaEtAl · 17/08/2019 20:55

Oh Lego Sad You WILL find a way and you are NOT alone.
Do you have family or friends near you?

GreatOne · 17/08/2019 20:56

People need longer to deal with not having the child they thought they were having. It's easy for people to say ltb. But where does that leave you and your children?

I get what you're saying. But part of having SEN kids means you've got to adjust...quickly! Shouting in a 3year olds face, isn't adjusting. Amongst all the issues, you dont even get the luxury of time to contemplate the hand life dealt you.
Very much like how you're thrown into the deep end with newborns, just gotta get it done and figured out.

I was left with no choice but to become seperated, truthfully it's shit, really hard work. But it was shit before too.
Doesnt sound like OP is getting an easy-ride with an unsupportive husband around, she said it's actually easier with him away.
Seems sensible for him to go.

jamoncrumpet · 17/08/2019 20:56

Fuck me OP. This is horrific. My DH found our DS's diagnosis of ASD difficult to take, and he definitely struggles with him at time, but he has never called him the things your DH has.

Your DH is abusing your son.

legolegolegolego · 17/08/2019 20:57

Happy - nobody knows what’s going on. No one has a clue. He only stops and shouts in front of us. Other people see him as really gentle and quiet

OP posts:
whateverhappenstheremore · 17/08/2019 20:57

This is awful op Thanks

HappyHammy · 17/08/2019 20:59

would you be able to talk to your family about this, it's a lot for you to have to handle on your own. he knows what he is doing, that's why he only has the "courage" to behave like this with you and the dc. he is weak and a coward, I would be inclined to film or tape him when he's kicking off and then sit down with your own family and show them. you need support, he needs to leave.

Shplot · 17/08/2019 21:00

I would have punched his lights out by now. Protect your son.
Fwiw I didn’t say a word until 5yo and I was told my autistic son would never speak but he started talking around age 7. Look at pecs and makaton.
Get rid of the cockwomble

legolegolegolego · 17/08/2019 21:00

ElfridaEtAl I’ve no family or close friends near by. My family and friends are an hour away by bus. I have mum friends close by but no one I could call on in a crisis

OP posts:
HereIsNoWhy82 · 17/08/2019 21:00

OP, I would be really concerned that he's looking after them while you work and what he is potentially doing and saying to your DS. I would really not be leaving this man alone with your children, he is dangerous.

CedarTreeLeaf · 17/08/2019 21:00

This thread really hurts my heart, OP. I am so sorry that your DH is reacting in this way to your beautiful son.

Your DH needs a break. Tell him that he needs to go somewhere, I don't know. Let him take a holiday or something. Tell him to get counseling, it sounds like he's having a breakdown.

You need to be the strong one. Do the research and try to make your DH see, if possible, that there is so much potential for children these days.

Please watch this video:

m.youtube.com/watch?v=JGxBQXPLc6M

This little boy is nonverbal but very smart, at the top of his class. Your son could be the same. Your son has some words, that is HUGE. I know many mums who have said their children just came out with full sentences out of nowhere around age 5.

Please, please understand you have a unique little angel entrusted to you. If your husband cannot see past his grief, then he may not stay around long, but please know that your son is amazing and will do wonderful things that excite you when they happen. It will be so sweet to celebrate his triumphs and ALL children progress in their own way. ALL.

EndLegalFiction · 17/08/2019 21:00

It's done. Tell people. Get help and get him out.

He has to earn any trust from now on and that has to start from a point of safety for your children which he is not.

EndLegalFiction · 17/08/2019 21:01

And if that is what he does in front of you what is he doing when you aren't around?

Mytupenceworth · 17/08/2019 21:01

Chances are your son understands everything your husband is saying. Kick him out forceably if you have to before he does any more damage to your son's self esteem. What a wanker

RubbingHimSourly · 17/08/2019 21:01

Good God woman. Grow a pair of ovaries and get the police out to remove that man from the house. Take your dc somewhere safe, call the police and explain what's happening.

I actually think your ds is in real danger of physical harm as well as all the emotional damage, you might not want to think that way but let's face it every year parents murder their children. And quite often they don't show any warning signs before. Your partner is waving a big warning sign in front of you. Put your children first and do the right thing before it's too late.

EndLegalFiction · 17/08/2019 21:02

He only stops and shouts in front of us.

By the way this means he is not out of control he is just your garden variety abusive shit head.

C0untDucku1a · 17/08/2019 21:03

That poor boy. Threatening suicide? What a dick. Utter dick.

Nomoremilk · 17/08/2019 21:04

People need longer to deal with not having the child they thought they were having. It's easy for people to say ltb. But where does that leave you and your children?

Oh fuck me is this for real? My family member had this attitude while I was getting sexually abused, worried about her mortgage. Don't you dare put this shitty idea in OPs head, this man is abusive.

Sorry op I know you said you need him to look after them while you're at work but you simply can't, he is not a good father to your 3 year old and to be honest be will probably regress because of his negativity. He's a bullying twat. If I knew him in real life I'd report him to social services myself.

RubbingHimSourly · 17/08/2019 21:04

As for your job I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much financial support there is. If you haven't applied for DLA for your son then do it now.

You'll also be able to claim carers allowance, a tax credit diaabilty premium and extra housing benefit if you're in need.

Nomoremilk · 17/08/2019 21:05

Weird how he doesn't follow through with his ridiculous threats of suicide!

GreatOne · 17/08/2019 21:07

And if that is what he does in front of you what is he doing when you aren't around?

Exactly^

AllergicToAverage · 17/08/2019 21:08

I know you say you'd struggle because he looks after the children while you work but given his abusive nasty comments to his own child and his threats about suicide, is he really someone who should be left alone with his children.

If he's saying he can't cope looking after him, calling him derogative names and and threatening suicide, I wouldn't be leaving either of my children with him.

He wouldn't be in the same household because he clearly can control himself, he doesn't behave like this around any one else so shows he's choosing to act like this.

It's like he thinks he should have allowances made for his mental health issues while giving no leeway, allowance or understanding for his own child and their struggles.

HappyHammy · 17/08/2019 21:12

I bet if your friends and family knew what he was doing they'd be round like a shot, an hour on a bus is nothing, I'd be getting a taxi to help you. He is a jealous bully, he might have m.h. issues but he is still a bully and in control of his outbursts. If life is so shit for him pack his bags, book him a hotel and tell him to go.

Bookworm4 · 17/08/2019 21:13

Absolutely do not go to work and leave this arsehole alone with your children.
The fact he only behaves like this at home proves it’s not MH, MH isn’t a choice; oh will I be out of control for the next hour, he’s an abusive bully.
Call your mum/dad/sister tell them what has happened then call the police to remove him.
Work, finances can be sorted, the abuse of your son has to stop- tonight.

Swipe left for the next trending thread