My 15 year old tonight told me he no longer wants to visit his father. He has mild ASD, he doesn't act like a NT teenager - no moodswings, does as he is told, tidy room, fun to spend time with, doesn't go out with mates or even txt etc.
He only sees him for a couple of hours a week due to past violence and anger issues. Visits recently have been cancelled mostly by his dad for a number of silly reasons and DS has said he doesn't believe the reasons he's being told. When I asked why he doesn't want to go he said he doesn't feel like he's his dad anymore, that he acts like a stranger and many of the aspects of his personality have changed. Dad has had a new partner for just over a year now with a child from a previous relationship. That child is calling him dad. DS says he just feels like when he's there he is just tagging along with their lives and they'd be happier if he wasn't there.
I've told him we will wait a few weeks and see how he goes, see if the feelings go away or get stronger. I explained I want him to have a relationship with his dad as I feel it's important for children to have both parents in their lives, that it's good to have a male influence in your life and because I didn't have a dad growing up which hurts. But I said I will love and support him no matter what decision he makes.
I don't know what else to do to encourage him to go to visit. I don't want to force him to go. I wouldn't even know how to stop the contact so his dad doesn't kick off.
Any advice either way please?