MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) – Senior prom is supposed to be a happy rite of passage for high school students, but a Montgomery County dad says his special needs son’s prom turned into a nightmare.

D.J. Cricket told News 2 his 19-year-old son with autism, Jayce Whisenhunt, did not have a prom date, so he asked his older sister to go with him.

The brother and sister were looking forward to the special day, but when they arrived at Montgomery Central High School’s prom, Cricket says his daughter was turned away because she was too old.

Jessica Helling is 24 years old and is a graduate of the high school. She says she never dreamed going to prom with her special needs brother would be a problem, but she was stopped at the door and told no one older than 20 was allowed to attend.

Jayce told News 2 he did not want to stay at the prom without his sister, so he left.

The boy’s father was outraged by the situation and took to social media to express his frustration.

He has gained tremendous support and one woman has even volunteered to organize a special prom just for Jayce next month.

News 2 reached out to Montgomery County Schools. The district confirmed the age limit for prom guests is 20 years old and each guest must be approved ahead of time.

A spokesperson said a copy of the rules was sent home with students before the prom.

However, the family says Jayce did not receive a copy of the rules and they were unaware of the age limit.Copyright 2016 WKRN. All rights reserved.