Parenting is never easy, but it gets even more complicated when dealing with special needs and a rocky relationship with an ex-partner. In this story, a mom and her ex-husband are at odds over their autistic son, Bas. The mom is frustrated with her ex’s lack of engagement and patience with their son, and she’s taken a bold stand. Bas recently got a dog, and the ex-husband is upset he wasn’t included in the process. But is the mom in the right or being too harsh? Let’s dive into the story and find out.
The Split-Up and Co-Parenting

Bas’s Special Interests

Ex’s Lack of Tolerance

Mom’s Attempt to Address the Issue

The New Dog

Ex Finds Out About the Dog

Ex’s Reaction

Mom’s Response

Ex’s Huffy Reply

The Facebook Drama

Family’s Reaction

Mom’s Defense

Mom’s Argument

Mom’s Stance

Bas’s Reaction

The Fallout: Is Mom Right or Wrong?
So here’s the situation: A mom sets a boundary for her ex-husband’s involvement with their autistic son, Bas, sparking a massive family debate. The ex-husband feels left out of the ‘fun’ activities, like getting a dog, while the mom argues he needs to engage more with Bas’s special interests before being included. The drama has spilled onto social media, with family members taking sides. Bas, however, seems unfazed and is enjoying his new furry friend. So, who’s in the right here? Let’s see what people have to say about this intense family conflict…
Ex-husband not entitled to ‘family’ events after 6 years. NTA

Assertive response to manipulative ex-husband seeking sympathy on Facebook.

NTA. Ex-husband wants credit for something that’s your responsibility.

Parenting differences cause conflict, but public shaming is unnecessary.

Dad complains on Facebook instead of spending time with son

Ex-husband wrong for Facebook post, but mom shouldn’t set conditions. ESH.

Parent criticized for excluding father and enabling child’s behavior

Parenting dilemma: prioritizing autistic son’s social skills over father’s involvement

User defends ex-husband’s dismissal of autistic son’s repetitive questions.

Co-parenting requires communication and respect for social boundaries.

Co-parenting struggles, ESH, son caught in the middle

ESH: Commenter suggests cultivating healthy space for family and communication.

ESH, but the mom’s controlling attitude is causing more harm.

Ex has no right to claim credit for the dog

OP accused of seeking echo chamber, prioritizing ego over son’s development

A commenter calls out the mother for excluding the father. YTA.

Parent criticized for not involving ex-husband in son’s life

Co-parenting toxicity and exclusion of father from dog decision. ESH.

Setting boundaries or manipulating ex? YTA according to comment.

ESH/YTA: Commenter calls out both parents for not compromising.

Doubts raised about father’s exclusion from autistic son’s life

Excluding ex-husband from son’s life events: justified or toxic?

Ex-couple’s immature behavior affects their autistic son. ESH.

Parental alienation? YTA. Co-parenting decisions should be mutual. Include him.
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Suggests getting a dog for autistic son, shuts down ex-husband.

Encouraging advice for a parent of an autistic child.

Dog ownership dispute: NTA mom denies ex-husband’s request.

Engaging with different people is important. YTA for gatekeeping.

Denying father bonding time with autistic son makes OP YTA

Divorced couple’s frequent family activities may confuse their son. ESH.

Critical comment calling out OP’s biased behavior and lack of information.

Parent criticized for negative framing of ex-husband and condescending attitude.

Co-parenting is key, both parents need to teach their son.

Parenting advice for an ex-couple with an autistic child . Commenter shares experience and calls out favoritism.

Ex-husband’s entitlement is frown-worthy. NTA for setting boundaries.

Ex-husband not entitled to dictate household rules. NTA

Helping Bas bond with his father is crucial for everyone.

Father and mother both at fault for son’s discomfort
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A commenter calls out everyone involved and predicts downvotes ♀️

YTA for throwing dirt at your husband. NTA for buying dog

Excluding the father is not fair to the son

Divorced parents should make an effort for their child’s normality

Redditor questioned for leaving out crucial information in custody battle.

Ex-husband needs to understand boundaries. NTA

Controlling behavior? YTA according to this comment.

ESH, but OP’s attempt to dictate father’s parenting is problematic ♀️

Encouraging comment to promote co-parenting and family unity
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Expert warns against projecting issues onto child, prioritize child’s bond.

Divided opinions on OP’s decision regarding ex-husband and son’s needs

User thinks mom is wrong for denying ex-husband ‘fun’ time

Being autistic, commenter understands both sides but leans towards NTA.

Dad loves his son, but not obligated to do everything. ESH.

Ex-wife’s overbearing attitude and exclusion of father makes her YTA.

Doubts arise about OP’s claims, YTA verdict for now

Ex-couple’s conflict over autistic son’s custody leads to ESH verdict.

Autistic commenter advises mother to teach son social skills, calls her out for excluding father.
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Dad can’t cherry-pick involvement, NTA for mom’s decision
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Consider the son’s wishes before deciding whether to invite father.

Divorced parents’ conflict over autistic son’s ‘fun’ time explained

Debate on ableism and posting on FB in co-parenting situation.

Parental conflict alienates child, ESH for not prioritizing son’s needs

Curious commenter questions missing details in ESH situation.

ESH, but communication is key in co-parenting.
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Father’s rights vs. son’s needs: A moral dilemma

Curious about the ex-husband’s side of the story

Parenting an autistic child is tough, don’t judge too quickly.

Setting boundaries with ex and son is important for all.

Co-parenting struggles: Mother punishes ex-husband, but he’s not innocent

Autistic person explains importance of special interests in communication ❤️

Parenting isn’t a transactional relationship, ESH for ultimatums.

Co-parenting advice: seek therapy, set rules, and be consistent. ESH.
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Valuable insight from someone on the autism-spectrum. NAH.

Single father calls out OP for being TA and lacking empathy ♂️
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Support for parent prioritizing autistic child’s interests.

Father absent from son’s life, NTA mom prioritizes son’s happiness

Excluding the dog was justified, but firsts may be unfair.

Parental conflict over autistic child’s ‘fun’ time with ex-husband. YTA.

User might be TA for denying ex ‘fun time’ with son

Curious commenter seeks advice on setting limits for autistic children.

A nuanced take on the situation, suggesting to consider mother’s perspective.

User calls out commenter’s bias and advises trusting mother’s decision.
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