The Autism Dad
The Autism Dad is a weekly podcast offering autism parenting support, special needs advice, and real stories for families raising neurodivergent children. It is hosted by Rob Gorski, a single father of three autistic children and the writer behind TheAutismDad.com, a blog that has supported parents since 2009. Episodes cover autism, ADHD, sensory needs, and everyday challenges of special needs parenting, blending personal experience with interviews and practical guidance. New episodes are released every Wednesday, aimed at parents, caregivers, and educators supporting neurodivergent kids.
Episodes
Level One Does Not Mean Easy | Stephanie Kerns (S9E19)
Stephanie Kerns was a teacher before she was an autism mom, and the only autism she had seen up close was in boys. So when her daughter started putting sponges in her mouth and echoing every question back in the exact tone it was asked, the first read was a speech delay.
Her daughter is 14 now, verbal, and diagnosed Level 1, the level everybody hears as easy. Stephanie talks about the hour-long m
Autism Doesn't End With Your Military Service | Jaime Parent (S9E18)
This episode is presented by Mightier.
In 1988, Jaime and Tracy Parent were stationed in England when their son Bryan was diagnosed with autism. There was nothing out there. No resources, no roadmap, no Rain Man yet. What they found instead was other families, and Jaime says that has been their best resource ever since.
Jaime is a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel with twenty years of service
Does He Ever Shut That Motor Off? | Nicole Carbone (S9E17)
This episode is sponsored by PESI.
Nicole Carbone's son Luca is almost four, nonspeaking, and diagnosed with Level 2 autism. When he can't tell her what he needs, he bangs his head on whatever is closest. His pain tolerance is high enough that the thing strangers always say, that he'll stop before he really hurts himself, is just not true.
In this Seen and Heard conversation, Nicole talks about th
I Feel Like I'm Tolerated | Melvin Lopez (S9E16)
Melvin Lopez is autistic. So is his five year old son, Mateo. And the first thing Melvin does in this conversation is take apart the assumption that those two facts give them something in common.
"If you know one person with autism, you know one person with autism." That is a saying in his house.
He talks about a day that starts at 4:30 in the morning because his son does not sleep. Not up and g
The Brain Isn't Broken, It's Inflamed | Dr. Theoharides (S9E15)
Dr. Theoharis Theoharides is back, and this time we got into the stuff that has been all over the news. Leucovorin. Tylenol. Benadryl. Underneath the headlines there is actual science, and Dr. Theo walks through what inflammation, mast cells, and folate really have to do with our kids.
The throughline is simple. A diagnosis is a label, not a treatment plan, and there is measurable biology underne
The Day He Called Her Mom | Deena Nathan (S9E14)
Deena Nathan's five year old son Hayden is autistic and non-speaking, and he's fluent on his AAC device. In this episode she walks through a day that starts with therapy at 8am, the win she's still not over, and the one thing she wants people to understand about a kid who doesn't talk.
She's also honest about something most people won't say out loud. She has real support, good family, friends who
Outsourcing the Panic | Erin Lamb (S9E13)
Erin Lamb has been a speech language pathologist for 26 years. She runs a Baltimore nonprofit with its own school for autistic kids. She has a Ph.D. She still missed her own daughter's autism.
Why does autism get missed in girls? Most of the foundational autism research was done on boys. As Erin puts it, everything she knew about autism she learned from boys in the 90s, because that's what the re
What Level 2 Autism Can Look Like | Lauren Murray (S9E12)
“Most people don’t even tag her with autism, because she’s smart, she’s so articulate.” Lauren Murray
Lauren Murray is a New Jersey mom of two, and her daughters are almost twenty years apart. Her oldest is about to turn 21, a UCF graduate thriving in Florida. Her youngest is four, level two autistic, with sensory processing disorder and a short list of safe foods. She is also, in Lauren’s words,
Autism in Real Life | Christine Bauereis (S9E11)
"Accommodating these children is like giving them a lifeline, and these children are worthy of it."
Christine Bauereis didn't find out she was autistic and ADHD until her 30s. The clarity came the way it does for so many parents, after her own kids were diagnosed. She looked at her son's reports, then at her own childhood, and the whole picture finally made sense.
Christine is a mom of three
Stop Comparing the Hard, Start Validating It | Heidi Price (S9E10)
"Stop comparing the hard. Start validating the hard." That one line from Heidi Price might be the whole episode.
Heidi spent years in the autism community before she was a mom. She worked as a recreational therapist, and she married into a family that knows autism well, with two brothers-in-law on the spectrum and two nephews too. She thought she understood it. Then she had her own kids, and she
Seen&Heard | Mariam Shapera (S9E09)
Mariam Shapera is a family doctor. In medical school, she got one lecture on autism, and it was clinical and deficit-focused. Then she became an autism mom, and everything she thought she knew got rewritten by her own son.
In this Seen and Heard episode, Mariam sits down with Rob to talk about raising her nine-year-old son, who is minimally speaking and autistic, alongside his neurotypical older
The Dad Who Built an App for His Autistic Son | Justin Bowman, VizyPlan (S9E08)
Justin Bowman had a dream his son would be autistic before the boy was born. Years later, after his son Sawyer was diagnosed with level 1 autism, Justin did what a lot of dads only wish they could do. He built something to help.
Justin is back for a deeper dive than his Seen and Heard episode earlier this season. He's the founder and CEO of VizyPlan, a visual routine and planning app he built f
This Is What Level 1 Autism Parenting Can Look Like | Liz Covington (S9E07)
Liz Covington's son Bennett was diagnosed with ADHD and ODD at age four. The autism diagnosis didn't come until he was ten. Now he's 18, in college, and just spent two hours shoveling the driveway in a snowstorm without being asked twice. That's the kind of win that doesn't make the highlight reels but means everything to families like hers.
In this Seen and Heard episode, Rob sits down with Liz,
We Rock the Spectrum (S9E06)
She got kicked out of five indoor playgrounds with her autistic son. Then she built her own. Today, We Rock the Spectrum has over 200 sensory-friendly, inclusive gyms in eight countries, and her son Gabriel just earned an academic scholarship to Loyola Marymount University.
In this episode, Rob sits down with Dina Kimmel, founder and CEO of We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym, and Christopher Reyes, au
The Sensory-Friendly Multivitamin Built for Neurodivergent Kids | Brittyn Coleman (S9E05)
If you have a neurodivergent kid who will only eat five foods, you already know that picky eater does not begin to cover it. The sensory processing, the oral motor challenges, the gut issues, the trust that gets lost every time a safe food changes slightly. And somewhere underneath all of that is a parent who is genuinely worried about whether their child is getting what they need to grow, think,
This Is Not What We Were Told to Expect | Amol Deshpande (S9E04)
What if you could get access to a Masters or PhD level BCBA
for free, within 24 hours, from your phone?
That is exactly what Amol Deshpande built after spending years fighting a broken system just to get his own son diagnosed and into care. Amol is the founder and CEO of Frontera, a Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur who previously founded Farmers Business Network, growing it into a nearly four bi
This Is What Level 1 Autism Parenting Can Look Like | Justin Bowman (S9E03)
What does autism level one actually look like inside a real family's home? That is exactly what Justin Bowman, autism dad and founder of VizyPlan, is here to share.
In this episode of Seen and Heard, Justin gives us a 15-minute glimpse into life with his son Sawyer, who is turning six and diagnosed autism level one. Sawyer is the kid they call the mayor at school because he just wants to say hi
This Is What Level 1 Autism Parenting Can Look Like | Brandon Shaw (S9E02)
What does it really feel like to fight for your child's autism diagnosis, navigate school battles, and find joy in a glove and a game of catch? In this episode of Seen and Heard, I'm joined by Brandon Shaw, an autism dad from Orlando, Florida, who shares a candid, unfiltered look at life with his seven-year-old son Mason, who is diagnosed level one but often teeters between one and two. Brandon op
Season 9 Kick Off | How We Met, Life Updates, and a Major Announcement | (S9E01)
Season 9 of The Autism Dad Podcast kicks off with the episode you have been requesting for three years. Rob's girlfriend, partner, and biggest supporter — Kelly Clark — finally joins the show to answer your questions about their relationship, how they navigate autism parenting together, and what makes two introverts who overthink everything such a great team.
Kelly also opens up about the life-ch
Raising Body Confident Kids with Autism and ADHD (S8E28)
How do we help our neurodivergent kids feel confident in
their own bodies? That’s the big question in this week’s episode of The Autism Dad Podcast. I’m joined by Dr. Whitney Casares, pediatrician, public health expert, autism mom, and fellow at the American Academy of Pediatrics, to talk about her new book My One of a Kind Body: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Me.
Dr. Casares opens up about rais
Parenting Autism into Adulthood: My Son Gavin’s Journey at 25 (S8E27)
In this episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, I sit down with my 25-year-old autistic son, Gavin, for a candid update on his journey. We talk about his transition out of a group home, what he’s learning along the way, and his hopes for the future.
If you’re parenting autistic children or supporting neurodivergent kids as they grow into adulthood, this conversation offers both real-world challenges
Autism and Water Safety: What Every Parent Needs to Know (S8E25)
This week, we’re talking about something every autism parent needs to think about—but many don’t until it’s too late: water safety and wandering. If you’ve ever felt the panic of not knowing where your child went or struggled to keep them safe near water, this episode is for you.
I’m joined by Dr. Molly O’Shea, a pediatrician with the American Academy of Pediatrics, autism mom, and the official
The Day This Autism Dad Almost Gave Up (S8E24)
In this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Autism
Dad Podcast, I open up about one of the darkest moments of my life—a time when the weight of burnout, single parenting, and undiagnosed ADHD nearly pushed me past the brink. But more importantly, I talk about the moment I chose five more minutes—and how that choice changed everything.
Joining me is Dr. Kristen Guillory, a leading voice in
9 Year Old Aria Co-Hosts! Life, Laughter, and Lava Chicken (S8E23)
Need a smile today? This episode is your dose of joy.
Aria—my 9-year-old stepdaughter and fan favorite—is back on the podcast and taking over the mic. From overcoming her fear of water to her growing love for Stranger Things and Taylor Swift, Aria is full of heart, humor, and surprises. Stick around to the end for her incredible rendition of “NeverEnding Story.” You don’t want to miss it.
Aria
Grandparenting on the Autism Spectrum: Support Without Overstepping (S8E21)
In this powerful conversation, Rob talks with Jennifer Kaufman, educator, and grandmother to an autistic child - about the often overlooked but critical role that grandparents play in the lives of neurodivergent kids. Jennifer shares wisdom from her book Grandparenting on the Spectrum and opens up about navigating her dual role as both a seasoned professional and a grandparent still learning to s
What Siblings of Autistic Kids Wish You Knew (S8E20)
When you’re parenting autistic children or kids with high support needs, it’s easy to wonder how it all impacts their siblings. Do they feel forgotten? Overwhelmed? Lost in the shuffle? In this heartfelt episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, I sit down with autism mom Amy Kelly and her adult son Danny for a raw, emotional, and hopeful look at the sibling experience—and why it matters more than we oft
Neuroinflammation and Autism: What Every Parent Needs to Know (Part 2) S8E19
Is your child struggling—and you’re not getting answers from “normal” tests? Hit play. This could change everything.
In Part 2 of my powerful conversation with Dr. Theoharis Theoharides, we explore how neuroinflammation, mast cell activation, and overlooked biological factors can affect autistic children. We dive into my son Gavin’s journey, how traditional testing failed us, and what we discover
Neuroinflammation and Autism: What Every Parent Needs to Know (Part 1) (S8E18)
Could neuroinflammation be driving your child’s symptoms? This episode will change how you think about autism and health.
In this two-part series of The Autism Dad Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Theoharis Theoharides, one of the world’s leading experts in neuroimmune medicine and mast cell research. We dig deep into how inflammation in the brain—driven by overactive mast cells—can contribute to the
Real Talk: Parenting a Child with Down Syndrome (S8E17)
Episode Summary:
In this powerful and deeply human episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, I sit down with husband-and-wife team Jeremy Dyen and Dr. Mika Gupta, co-founders of Mama Bird, to explore the emotional and transformative journey of parenting a child with Down syndrome.
We talk about:
Navigating a life-changing diagnosis
Finding purpose in unexpected places
Supporting your child’s
Special Needs Financial Planning (Part 3) (S8E16)
In this powerful conclusion to our three-part Special Needs Financial Planning series, I’m joined once again by Katy Bryan, a Special Needs Financial Planner with Skylight Financial Group. In this episode, we tackle the toughest part of the journey—planning for our child’s future after we’re gone.
This isn’t easy to talk about, but having a plan in place can ease a lot of the anxiety many of us
Special Needs Financial Planning (Part 2) (S8E15)
Show Notes: Special Needs Financial Planning (Part 2) — The Autism Dad Podcast
In this episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, Rob Gorski continues the special needs financial planning series with guest Katy Bryan from Skylight Financial Group. Katy specializes in helping families of children with disabilities plan for the future and shares key steps to prepare for your child’s transition to adulthood
Understanding Non-Speaking Autism and Apraxia (S8E14)
While my production computer is down, I’m re-releasing this powerful episode that so many parents found helpful the first time around. If you’re raising a non-speaking or minimally speaking child, or if you're trying to better understand apraxia and communication differences in autism—this conversation is for you.
I’m joined again by Samantha Fox, M.A., CCC-SLP—an incredible speech-language patho
Navigating Puberty With Autistic Kids (w/ Dr. Whitney Casares) (S8E13)
This episode is being re-released for Autism Awareness Month.
In this powerful and important conversation, I’m joined by returning guest Dr. Whitney Casares. She’s not only a Stanford-trained pediatrician and public health expert, but she’s also an autism mom raising two differently wired kids. Together, we tackle a topic many of us try to avoid—puberty.
This episode is packed with practical ad
Understanding Autism in Girls with Dr. Taylor Day (S8E12)
April is Autism Awareness Month, and this episode with Dr. Tay is one of the most important conversations I’ve had. We dive into how autism shows up differently in girls—and why so many are missed or misdiagnosed. If you’re a parent, educator, or just want to better understand the nuances of autism, this one’s a must-listen.
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Taylor Day (aka Dr. Tay), a licensed
Aria’s Kid-Friendly Minecraft Movie Review (S8E11)
Today’s episode is full of joy and Minecraft magic! Rob is joined by a very special guest, Aria. Aria is Kelly's 8 year old daughter with autism. Fresh off seeing the new Minecraft Movie, Aria shares her thoughts, favorite moments, and tips for parents wondering if it’s a good pick for their kids. They also dive deep into the game itself—breaking down game modes, favorite mobs, plushies, add-ons,
Gavin’s Journey to Independence (S8E10)
In this special Autism Acceptance Month episode, I’m re-sharing an important and personal conversation with my oldest son, Gavin.
Gavin is 25 years old, autistic, and immunocompromised. In this episode, we talk about his journey toward independent living and why he’s choosing to move into a group home. Gavin shares his thoughts, hopes, fears, and goals—including launching his own YouTube channel
Special Needs Financial Planning (Part 1) – Building the Foundation (S8E09)
Welcome to Part 1 of a powerful three-part series focused on special needs financial planning. In this episode, I’m joined by the amazing Katy Bryan, a Chartered Special Needs Consultant from Skylight Financial Group. Katy brings over 14 years of experience helping more than 250 families plan for their future. We’re breaking things down into real, understandable steps—starting with the basics.
Th
Before He Could Speak (S8E08)
This week’s episode is deeply personal and incredibly important.
I’m rereleasing this conversation from a previous season because the message still resonates just as strongly—and it’s something every parent, educator, and professional working with non-speaking kids should hear.
What started as a simple audio test with my son Emmett turned into one of the most powerful and emotional conversations
The Importance of Validation in the Autism Community (S8E07)
Episode Overview
In this solo episode, I dive into a topic that’s been weighing on my heart—validation in the autism community. There’s a growing divide between those who see autism as a superpower and those who experience it as a significant disability. Both perspectives are valid, but we need to recognize that no single experience defines autism.
Key takeaways:
Autism exists on a vast spectrum,
Navigating Divorce with Neurodivergent Kids (Part 2) S8E06
Episode Summary
Divorce is never easy, and when neurodivergent children are
involved, the challenges can be even more complex. In Part 1, we explored the
unique difficulties of co-parenting neurodivergent kids, the importance of
routine and consistency, and strategies for reducing trauma and increasing
stability.
Now, in Part 2, we’re tackling listener-submitted questions about co-parenting,
comm
Navigating Divorce with Neurodivergent Kids pt 1 (S8E05)
Divorce is never easy, and when neurodivergent children are involved, the challenges can be even more complex. In this episode, I open up about my own divorce for the first time and discuss how it has affected me as a parent. My kids will also be sharing their experiences in future episodes because they deserve a voice in this conversation.
Joining me today is Dr. Mikki Lee, a licensed psychologis
The Unbreakable Boy: A Father’s Journey with Scott LeRette (S8E04)
Episode Summary:
Join Rob Gorski, The Autism Dad, in a heartfelt conversation with Scott LeRette, author of "The Unbreakable Boy" and father to Austin, a young man with autism and osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Scott shares his family's inspiring journey, discussing the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with unique needs.
General Timeframes:
Beginning: Scott describes his family's early e
Navigating Grief with Neurodivergent Kids (S8E03)
Join Rob Gorski, The Autism Dad, and grief specialist Sylvia Moore Meyers as they discuss the challenges and strategies for helping neurodivergent kids navigate grief and loss. Sylvia, an autistic mom herself, shares her personal experiences and insights into how we can better support our children during difficult times.
General Timeframes:
Beginning: Rob and Sylvia discuss the challenges neurod
The Power of SPARK: How Autism Research is Changing Lives (S8E02)
Join Rob Gorski, The Autism Dad, in a conversation with Dr. Pamela Feliciano, Scientific Director of SPARK for Autism. Dr. Feliciano, an autism mom herself, shares her personal journey and insights into SPARK's groundbreaking research. Discover how SPARK is connecting families with researchers to accelerate breakthroughs in autism understanding and support. Learn how you can get involved and contr
How Telehealth is Changing Autism Evaluations (S8E01)
Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Taylor Day, a licensed child psychologist specializing in autism evaluations and therapy via telehealth. We dive into the growing accessibility of remote autism evaluations, how telehealth compares to in-person assessments, and how it helps families stuck on long waitlists. Dr. Day shares insights from her personal and
Navigating Autism: Building Inclusion (S7E44)
Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Autism Dad Podcast! In this episode, host Rob Gorski sits down with Sara Hast, an autism mom and advocate, to discuss her family’s unique journey. Sara shares her heartfelt experiences of raising two autistic children, navigating a late autism diagnosis during the pandemic, and the challenges of postpartum depression while parenting.
Key highlights incl
Autism and Transitioning to Adulthood (E7E43)
Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, Rob Gorski sits down with Jacqueline Baker, a BCBA and Market Leader at Action Behavior Centers, to discuss the transition to adulthood for autistic children. Together, they explore personal and professional insights and offer valuable advice to parents navigating this complex journey.
Rob reflects on his experiences as a father of three
Growing Up with My Autistic Brother (S7E42)
Episode Summary:
In this compelling episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, host Rob Gorski speaks with Amanda Lukof, a sibling to a brother with autism and the co-founder of Eleplan. Amanda provides a unique perspective on growing up alongside a neurodivergent sibling, highlighting the emotional dynamics, challenges, and triumphs that shaped her life.
This heartfelt conversation explores the often-ove
Angelman Syndrome: One Dad’s Story (S7E41)
Welcome to The Autism Dad Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Jonathon Smith, a dedicated special needs dad, to discuss his parenting journey with a son diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome. Jonathon shares his family's story, their struggles, and the challenges they faced navigating life with a complex genetic disorder. Most inspiringly, he explains how these challenges led to the creation of S
Exploring Modern ABA Therapy with Sarah Pearson (S7E40)
In this episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, host Rob Gorski speaks with Sarah Pearson, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at Circle Care Services, to shed light on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy in 2024. For many parents of autistic children, ABA therapy is a crucial consideration, yet it can be shrouded in controversy and misinformation. Sarah demystifies ABA, explaining how it has
Autism, Anxiety & Adulthood: My Son’s Journey to Independence (S7E39)
Episode Summary:
In this heartfelt episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, Rob Gorski reconnects with his 18-year-old autistic son, Elliott, who co-hosts to share life updates and a peek into his creative journey. Rob and Elliott discuss the challenges of transitioning into adulthood, managing anxiety, and handling societal expectations like driving. Elliott opens up about the pressures he faces as he
Neurodiversity in the Workplace with Anthony Pacillio (S7E38)
Episode Summary:
In this insightful episode, Rob Gorski speaks with Anthony Pacillio, Vice President of Neurodiverse Solutions at CAI, about the unique challenges neurodivergent individuals face when entering the workforce. Anthony shares his journey of building neurodiversity programs, his personal experiences as someone with social anxiety and depression, and how these have fueled his passion fo
Understanding ADHD with Dr. Robert Melillo (S7E37)
In this episode, Rob Gorski dives deep into the neurological world of ADHD and autism with expert guest Dr. Robert Melillo. Dr. Melillo is a renowned clinician, researcher, and author with over 30 years of experience in developmental functional neurology. Best known for his book Disconnected Kids, he specializes in helping children with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other neurological disorders.
Key
Navigating Autism as a Dad: Joel Pearlman’s Journey (S7E36)
In this episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, Rob Gorski speaks with Joel Pearlman, father to a non-verbal autistic daughter, Danielle. Joel opens up about the emotional challenges of receiving an autism diagnosis, navigating fatherhood, and his family’s journey of acceptance. He shares how he and his wife created the Dani Plan, a digital tool to help parents document essential care information for t
One Autism Dad’s Journey Towards Acceptance (S7E35)
In this week's episode, Rob Gorski sits down with Shaun Hampton, a father of two autistic boys, to discuss his parenting journey, the emotional rollercoaster of diagnosis, and the ways his family has navigated life with autism. Shaun shares insights into the diagnostic process, the challenges of acceptance, and how his family has turned their experiences into opportunities for advocacy and awarene
Autism and ARFID: One Family's Journey (S7E34)
Episode Description:
In this episode, I chat with Megan Brannan, mom to a five-year-old boy named Rory, diagnosed with autism. Megan shares her journey from early concerns about Rory’s speech delay to facing long waitlists for a diagnosis, all while navigating COVID-19 hurdles. She emphasizes the importance of trusting parental instincts when developmental delays are present, especially when medic
Autism and Independent Living (S7E33)
Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, host Rob Gorski talks with returning guest Amber Arrington, founder of Autism Savvy. Together, they explore the challenges and successes of helping their adult autistic children transition into independent living, whether through group homes or other arrangements. Rob shares his experience with his son Gavin, while Amber discusses her son
Understanding Autism in Girls (S7E32)
Episode Description:
In this insightful episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, host Rob Gorski is joined by Dr. Taylor Day, a licensed psychologist who specializes in neuroaffirming care for autistic children and their families. Dr. Day offers her expertise on a topic that is critical yet often misunderstood—how autism presents differently in girls compared to boys. Together, they explore the challeng
Balancing Motherhood, Autism, and a Thriving Career (S7E31)
Episode Description: In this compelling episode, Rob Gorski, host of The Autism Dad Podcast, sits down with Danusia Malina-Derben, a mother of ten and a successful business consultant, to discuss the complexities of balancing motherhood, especially when raising neurodiverse children, with a demanding career. Danusia shares her journey from being a mother to ten children, including neurodiverse tri
Unlocking Math Success for Kids with Special Needs (S7E30)
Episode Description:
In this episode of *The Autism Dad Podcast*, Rob Gorski interviews Eric MacKinnon, founder of Grokkoil, an AI-powered math tutoring platform tailored for kids with special needs like ADHD, dyslexia, and autism. Discover how Grokkoil is transforming special education by personalizing math learning experiences, diagnosing learning gaps, and accelerating progress by up to four ti
Navigating Autism, Picky Eating, and the School Year (S7E29)
Introduction:
In this episode, we dive deep into strategies for helping children with autism navigate picky eating and sensory challenges, especially as they transition back to school. Our guest, Brittyn Coleman, a registered dietitian specializing in autism, shares invaluable tips and insights.
Summary:
Brittyn Coleman discusses the common challenges parents face with picky eaters and autistic ch
Meltdowns vs Shutdowns: A Conversation with Meghan Bailey (S7Ee28)
Episode Summary:
In this episode of "The Autism Dad" podcast, Rob Gorski interviews Meghan Bailey, a mother of an 11-year-old son on the autism spectrum. Meghan shares her parenting journey, discussing the initial autism diagnosis, her approach to parenting a neurodiverse child, and the concept of autistic shutdowns versus meltdowns. The conversation delves into coping mechanisms and the importanc
Enhancing Safety and Independence: Assistive Tech for Autism with Melissa Schiefelbein (S7E27)
Episode Description:
In this episode, Rob Gorski sits down with Melissa Schiefelbein, a board-certified behavior analyst, parent of a child with autism, and Clinical Advisor at AngelSense. Melissa shares her journey from being a concerned parent to becoming a professional in behavior analysis. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with high needs and how assistive technology
Understanding Comorbid Diagnoses in Autism (S7E26)
Introduction:
In this insightful episode, we welcome Dr. Suzanne Goh, a pediatric neurologist and behavior analyst, to discuss the complexities of comorbid diagnoses in children with autism. Dr. Goh shares her expertise on the role of pediatric neurology, the importance of a holistic approach, and how parents can better advocate for their children.
Guest: Dr. Suzanne Goh
Dr. Suzanne Goh is a renow
Understanding ARFID: Insights from Michelle of My ARFID Life (S7E25)
In this enlightening episode, we dive deep into Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) with Michelle from "My ARFID Life." Michelle shares her personal journey of parenting a child with ARFID, the challenges they face, and the incredible support they receive from their online community. This episode is packed with valuable insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories for parents, c
Autism Parenting Challenges and Strategies (S7E24)
In this episode of "The Autism Dad" podcast, Rob Gorski welcomes Lisa Candera, also known as The Autism Mom Coach. Lisa, a solo mother of a teenage son with severe autism and OCD, is a practicing attorney and certified life and grief coach. She shares valuable insights and practical strategies to help parents navigate challenges such as meltdowns, sleepless nights, and sensory issues. Join us for
Accessible Meditation for Neurodivergent Kids (S7E23)
In this enlightening episode, Rob Gorski sits down with Jan Gioia, a dedicated meditation teacher and the founder of WeeMeditate. With a background in special education and extensive experience teaching meditation to children of all abilities, Jan shares her insights on how meditation can benefit neurodivergent kids. She discusses the misconceptions around meditation, practical tips for introducin
Zaneta Barton’s Autism Parenting Story (S7E22)
Zaneta Barton, a mother of six, shares her journey as a parent of a child with autism and her pursuit of a degree in deaf communication. She discusses the challenges of accepting the diagnosis and the impact on her family. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of a large family and the importance of self-care. The conversation covers the challenges of burnout, self-care, and the transition
Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) S7E21
In this episode, Rob Gorski is joined by Amber Arrington from Autism Savvy. They delve into the topic of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), an often misunderstood profile within the autism spectrum. Amber shares her personal experiences as a mother of three autistic children, including a daughter who exhibits PDA traits. The discussion covers the challenges of navigating PDA, strategies for supp
Autism Parenting Perspectives (S7E20)
In this episode, Rob Gorski speaks with Susie Liberator, an entrepreneur and dedicated mother who shares her journey of balancing a thriving business career with raising a son diagnosed with autism. Susie opens up about the challenges and triumphs of leaving the corporate world to support her son's needs and offers valuable insights and advice for other parents on similar paths.
About Susie Libera
Empowering Neurodivergent Learners: Inclusive Tools and Free Resources (S7E19)
Summary
In this episode, Rob Gorski interviews Dani Kinsley, an occupational therapist and product developer at Super Duper Publications. Dani shares how Super Duper creates a variety of educational tools, including card decks, books, games, and software, designed to support skills like speech articulation, problem-solving, and daily living activities. These user-friendly resources are crafted for
Travel Planning for Special Needs Families (S7E18)
Summary
Stephanie Peters and Shelby Knopp are the co-owners of Wishes and Co Travel Planning, a travel agency that specializes in special needs travel. They provide resources and support for families with special needs children to plan successful vacations. They offer services such as social stories, visual schedules, and personalized recommendations for accommodations and activities. Their goal i
Expert Tips For Navigating Dental Care for Kids with Autism (S7E17)
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Rob Gorski sits down with Dr. Usman Ali to discuss the nuances of pediatric dentistry, especially in relation to children with special needs such as autism and sensory processing disorders. Dr. Ali shares his insights on preventive care, strategies for reducing dental anxiety, and the options available for sedation and general anesthesia in a pediatric setting.
Ab
A Day in the Life of an Intervention Specialist (S7E16)
Summary
In this conversation, Stacy Brookover, an intervention specialist, discusses her role in the school system and the importance of true inclusion for students with special needs. She explains the process of identifying students' needs and creating Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 plans. Stacy emphasizes the value of teacher training and the need for effective communication betwee
Supporting Dads in the Autism Community (S7E15)
Harry Psaros, author of the book 'From Struggle to Strength: A Father's Journey with Autism and the Power of Hope and Positivity,' shares his personal journey as an autism dad and the inspiration behind his book. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, resilience, and positivity in navigating the challenges of raising a child with autism. Psaros encourages parents to focus on continuous improveme
Ohio’s Blueprint for Developmental Disabilities (S7E14)
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Rob sits down with Kimberly Hauck, the Director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD). They discuss the crucial role the DODD plays in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families across Ohio. Kimberly details her journey from starting as a direct support professional to leading the department, emphasizing the dep
Group Homes and Shenanigans (S7E13)
Episode Summary:
In this insightful episode, Rob Gorski sits down with his eldest son, Gavin, who is autistic, to discuss the important and nerve-wracking journey of transitioning to adulthood. They delve into Gavin's experiences with job training, his first job, and the process of touring group homes as he plans his future.
Key Points Discussed:
- Transition to Adulthood: Gavin shares his progres
Bridging Autism and Employment (S7E12)
Welcome to another insightful episode of "The Autism Dad" podcast. In this episode, Rob Gorski, your host, sits down with Kevin Miller, an autism dad and the Executive Director of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), a state agency dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities in finding and maintaining employment.
In This Episode, You'll Discover:
- Kevin's Personal Journey:
Talking About Tough Stuff (S7E11)
Summary
In this conversation, Rob Gorski and Amber Arrington discuss the challenges and decisions involved in parenting adult children with autism. They address sensitive topics such as transitioning to adulthood, the need for independence, and the consideration of group homes. They also explore the emotional impact of making decisions like pursuing guardianship and the stigma attached to these c
Autism Parenting Q&A with Emmett (S7E10)
In this week’s episode, Emmett, my 15 year old autistic son, and I answer a bunch of your autism related questions. Emmett dug through a huge list of questions you folks submitted via Facebook and create a list of 10 he wanted us to talk about this week. This was a lot of fun. :-)
Resources and Links:
Episode mentioned for future reference: "The Parent's Guide to Navigating Autism and Puberty" wi
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