My son is 10 and autistic. He doesn’t like going to his dad’s on weekends, to the point of tears. He says his dad sleeps past noon and then doesn’t hang out with him. His dad’s girlfriend screams at him if he isn’t hungry. My son says he doesn’t get hit, but he claims the girlfriend hits the dad in front of him and they argue a lot. When I ask his dad, he denies everything. I believe my son, and he’s uncomfortable there, but legally, I don’t know what I can do. Anyone been through something similar?
I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. My situation was kind of similar with my ex. Have you thought about talking to a lawyer to see what options you have legally? I know it’s expensive, but it could help a lot.
@Xen
Yeah, that’s a good idea. Even just talking to one for advice could give you some peace of mind. You never know what can be done unless you ask.
Ugh, that sounds rough. I’ve read that in situations like this, documenting everything is super important. If you can, keep track of what your son says about his visits, maybe even write down dates or incidents. That could really help if you need to take action later.
@Leighton
Yeah, I’ve started doing that. Just wish I knew the next steps after that. It’s so hard to see him go through this.
I had a similar situation with my ex, and in the end, I was able to get the custody arrangement changed. It wasn’t easy, but I think the court will always put your son’s well-being first. Have you considered trying a mediation? It might help clear the air without getting too messy.
@Lilnim
I was gonna suggest mediation too! It helped a lot in my case when both parents could get a third-party perspective.
That sounds like an awful situation for your son. Has he ever been to therapy? It might help him open up more and feel safer expressing his feelings. Some counselors specialize in working with kids on the spectrum too.
@Esme
He’s been seeing a therapist for a while. It’s tough because he doesn’t always open up easily. I think he’s just too scared to talk about it with his dad.
My ex’s girlfriend was a nightmare too, and I eventually had to get the courts involved because my kid started showing signs of anxiety. If things keep going like this, you might have to push for an evaluation. It’s tough, but I think it’s worth fighting for your son’s safety and well-being.
@Denny
Totally agree. If it’s affecting his mental health or making him uncomfortable, that’s a red flag. Even if it’s tough, you’ve got to put your son first. Hopefully, things get better soon.