Well, this is a misery for both of you. Life is unpredictable and often challenging. I am truly sorry to hear of these difficulties.

Just hearing C.P.S. puts a knot in most parent's stomachs. Take a deep breath and see how this can be turned into something that is to your advantage.

C.P.S. would certainly be a group of folks who have a handle on what resources are available to you. Ask them about support resources available for your children, ask them what is available for you, perhaps autism support groups. The focus is always about the kiddo. How can you better serve their needs? Most of us do that without thinking but when talking to the social workers make it clear that the best set of circumstances is what you want for your child. C.P.S. is mandated to make the family work if it is at all possible so they will quite likely be looking for reasons to leave the situation alone, i.e. return the children to you.

I am guessing that the social workers are aware of the affects of autism on children. If not would you be able to suggest someone for them to talk with about your child, the pediatrician? Suggest a movie, "Temple Grandin" would be a good one, I think.

My last suggestion would be to treat them as if they are on your side. That they are trying to do a good job in a difficult situation. Be the warm, caring people that you are. If you think things are going side-ways ask to have a Guardian Ad Litum appointed. Someone whose only interest is in the children...and is not pursuing any agenda but the children's well being.

I don't mean to be intrusive but I would very much like to know how things are going for you both. In the meantime, consider yourselves hugged. Just moving forward one step at a time...

Well, good for you, Cassey. Even with the intellectual knowledge that these things aren't personal sometimes it's a long way from my head to my heart.

How do you see Catie's future? Are you planning on Catie living with you for the foreseeable future?

Consider yourself also surrounded by my prayers of love and support. Hugs to you...

For the most part things are pretty good. We are so used to Catie's false accusations we just brush it off and go one. Catie I believe is remorseful and understand"s the severity of what she has done. We went to the mall yesterday and today we watched a movie Catie wanted to watch so despite this bad situation we are in we are trying to get back to our normal everyday life. I pray everyday for God to give me strength and guidance.

What I didn't write that my parenting style includes very limited electronics, personal responsibility for his dishes, clothes washing, dish washing, plus chores that contribute to the household. We all go to Buddhist temple every week, and I home school the kids.
At his mother's house both kids have unlimited access to computers, 'smart'phones, dodgy TV shows whenever they want, they can stay up all night and sleep as late as they want, and are home schooled by the latest boyfriend.

I've been very reluctant to divulge this, but several weeks ago my 14 y/o son told his mother that I'd abused him. Like any intelligent woman who knows her son's history and tendencies, she called the police right away, and filed for a protection order. I got a midnight visit, and was asked to come to the police station for a discussion with detectives, and for the next 48 hours I sat in jail waiting. During that time I had no clue what was going on, and couldn't talk to anyone but a SO, for 2 x one minute phone calls. Just prior to my interview and release, I was informed by the protection order what was actually going on. I can't begin to describe the helpless pain and anguish I felt (and still feel).
I don't know the exact reason for my son lying, but suspect it was to create drama and get his mother's attention (well done!), and to rebel against my parenting style. It's a horrible mess right now, and where in the past I've protected him vigorously, now he's gotten positive feedback for using this tool, and I have to consider protecting myself from him. It's so wrong at so many levels.
I just declined summer camp for him this year in order to focus on serious, intensive family counseling.