I can’t cope with the pressure of looking after my severely autistic daughter

DEAR DEIDRE: I CAN’T cope with the pressure of looking after my severely autistic daughter.

She is non-verbal and sometimes lashes out. It scares my son, who is only a toddler.

I’m 38 and my husband, 40, and I get little help or support from family or the healthcare system.

It’s affecting our marriage and my mental health has hit rock bottom.

I love my daughter, who’s seven, but I need a break.

The doctor is hopeless – she just prescribes me antidepressants.

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I’m struggling and don’t know where to turn. Lack of sleep is making me impatient and I feel so guilty.

I can’t carry on like this.

DEIDRE SAYS: You’re doing your best but you need professional help with your daughter.

We know parents with an autistic child are ten per cent more likely to face divorce.

So please talk to your support network, your family and friends and explain how crucial their help is.

See your doctor again and ask for a referral to a paediatrician.

Contact ACE Education (ace-ed.org.uk, 0300 0115 142) for advice on special education.

Also see the National Autistic Society’s website for information (autism.org.uk).