Hi Janet

Welcome to the group, although I am sorry you have this problem.
My daughter is button phobic (as am I) but we were very lucky in that
she went to a school with a relaxed uniform policy.
What are the main problems for your son? Is it school uniform and
wearing shirts? Are you in the UK or the US? Or elsewhere?

My first thoughts are that phobias are very genuine. Sufferers do not
want to have the phobia and have the disruption that the phobia causes
in their lives. I'm sorry your son's headmaster doesn't appreciate
this. Forcing a sufferer to confront their phobia can make it worse so
I hope this is not what this headmaster is doing. The possible
consequences could be that your son refuses to go to school or truants.

When my daughter has 'had' to wear a blouse, I have removed the
buttons, sewn up the front and used velcro instead of buttons for the
top opening. This might be a temporary solution for your son, if his
headmaster agreed - if he has to wear a tie, then it would not be
obvious. I think you have to impress on the headmaster that this is a
serious problem and not just your son 'messing about'. Can you get your
doctor to help? Referring your son to a therapist might also be a good
idea. He may be able to talk through his phobia and find ways of
minimising it and coping with it. Best to try and tackle these things
early, I think, than wait until adulthood.

I hope this helps a little. Do let us know how you get on.

Barbara

--- In b_phobia@yahoogroups.com, Janet Stanton <janetstanton@...> wrote:
>
> My 13 year old son suffers from this phobia. His school head-teacher
dosen't understand any help or advise would be greatfully received.
>
>
> ---------------------------------
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