I have a four year old little boy with my ex-husband. During my time with his father, and for the first three years of my son's life, his father had a problem with drug abuse. Heavy drugs too, and he would often take them when alone with our son while I was at work. There were even times I had to lock myself and our child in the bathroom until he'd come down just to protect ourselves from him. I never called the cops because I was afraid, I thought it was somehow my fault and that my son would not only be taken from his father but from me as well.

I finally left him, over a year ago... and now that we are trying to finalize our divorce I want to file for sole custody of my little boy, who has been diagnosed with autism and has no way of telling me what his father does when he is with him or call me if anything is wrong.

... But the only proof I have of my ex's substance abuse is panicked phone calls made to friends and family, and in some instances them coming to pick myself and my son up from our home in the middle of the night.

I want to be able to protect my kid, but I fear the court won't consider my evidence substantial.

Has anyone been through something like this, or know someone who has?

Is your ex still using?

Has he ever been arrested on drug charges?

Are you sure he is going to try for joint custody or visitation? It would be a risky thing for a user to try.

The court will be sure BOTH parents can provide a safe
Place for the child to be.

This could be a place to try to start.
Someone that is using usually exhibits certain behavior that may be recognized by professionals.

You might contact CPS with your concerns and they may be able to offer advice or help.

Do you have an attorney yet? It doesn't sound like you do.
Get one asap.

If he was to be drug tested, it would be all over for him and the court will award you the child.