It sounds like your son needs some medical attention - there are medicines and therapies that can help bring his anxiety under control and also reduce his irritability and rage. If your current medical professional has not addressed these issues to your satisfaction, I'd recommend a second opinion. This can sometimes open new doors and provide much needed treatment success. In addition, you may ask your physician to refer your family to a social work who deals with special needs families like yours. The social worker can put you in touch with agencies that provide respite for families with special needs kids and also introduce you to other services that may relieve some of the burden of care. Your son may be able to participate in holidays, camps and programs outside the home, giving the rest of your family a much needed break. Hopefully you are also a member of a support group for parents of children like your son. Listening to the advice and solutions of other parents is always helpful. Just knowing that others are dealing with the issues you struggle with can provide enormous support and energy to move forward. Burnout occurs when people give and give without replenishing their own stores. You need down time. You and your spouse should be going out at least weekly to just have fun (no serious talking!). You need to spend light-hearted time with friends and family or even alone in the shopping mall. The more you tend to yourself, the more you'll be able to tend to this youngster. Exercise, nutritional support and other stress reduction measure are also highly recommended. It all falls on you, so you must look after yourself. Your job is a really hard one. You can't do it non-stop without pausing for refueling. So take care of yourself the best you can.   Sarah Chana