The Autism Dad (Rob Gorski)

In this episode, I share a very emotional interview I gave last year during the annual Wish-A-Thon. We were helping raise awareness and money for an amazing organization called Wishes Can Happen. They grant wishes to local children with life-threatening or terminal health conditions, like my oldest. It's very difficult to talk about but it's so important to raise awareness for organizations like Wishes Can Happen. They do amazing work and what they provide children like my son, as well as families like mine is beyond measure. This is our story. Wishes Can Happen About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I update you on a major decision I had to make in order to keep my immunocompromised son safe during the COVID19 pandemic. Very few things are simple with it comes to Special Needs parenting and I share the thought process that goes into making potentially life altering decisions for my kids. I also talk about a few other things that are on my mind and I curse a bit. ;-) I also want to apologize to my mother for the language in this episode. I'm feeling terribly overwhelmed and I needed to vent a bit. Sorry Mom. I wanted to provide you with a list of reliable sources for information regarding COVID19. Facts, science medicine and accurate, truthful information matter now more than ever. These are some of the people and medical facilities that I trust and rely on for information about this pandemic. Please give them a follow. Dr. Tara C. Smith Professor, infectious disease epidemiologist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders BrainyAct BrainyAct® provides tech-enabled, patent-pending therapy programs delivered via gamification for neurological disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and ADHD. BrainyAct activates the underdeveloped areas of the brain through exercises that strategically target a child’s balance, gravity, gross/fine motor, rhythm and timing, visual motor perception, and memory. Putting hope in motion means putting your family first in everything we do and using movement to affect real change. Shifting hope to a reality. 91% of families report global brain improvements after four months. Our company was built on the premise to create real, measurable, and visible change that shows you how your child is improving through data. BrainyAct is for homes and schools. Visit Kinuu.com. Use promo code THEAUTISMDAD and save $500. This is a limited time offer. Visit BrainyAct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, we dive deep into a topic many parents grapple with: how to tell your child they have autism. Join me as I sit down with my incredible 15-year-old son, Emmett, who himself is autistic. He shares his profound insights and personal experience about being on the receiving end of this pivotal conversation. Emmett's perspective is truly enlightening, and I couldn't be prouder to share this moment with him and all of you. Tune in for an episode packed with wisdom and understanding. About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://theautismdad.com Today's Sponsors Meerkat Village Being a special needs parent often requires a superhuman ability to manage a ton of different things all at once. Between work, school, doctor appointments, therapies, our own self-care, and everything else life can throw at us, it can be tough to manage all these things. Don’t even get me started on trying to keep everyone communicating with each other. That’s where Meerkat Village can help. They say it takes a village and this is especially true for special needs families. Meerkat Village is a platform for android and iOS that helps to keep everyone in your village communicating and coordinating their efforts to support your child. Whether you’re tracking your child’s progress at school or brainstorming new strategies to help with behavioral concerns, Meerkat Village keeps everyone connected, and on the same page. It's all done inside one, easy-to-use, HIPAA and FERPA-compliant app. For more information, visit meerkatvillage.com  Kinjo Kinjo transforms Roblox from mere gaming to a valuable learning platform. Aiming to make each gaming moment both fun and educational, Kinjo provides expert-reviewed content through seamless integration with a child's Roblox account. Games undergo rigorous evaluation by specialists, with top-rated ones receiving a 'Flames' rating for their educational quality. While playing, children earn Kinjo Coins, turning in-game accomplishments into tangible rewards. While kids enjoy the engaging content, parents gain insight into their child's gaming activities. Beyond being an app, Kinjo represents a leap in educational gaming, blending entertainment with deep learning. The basic version is free, with a premium Kinjo Plus option offering added benefits. Explore the future of gaming at theautismdad.com/Kinjo and get a 10% discount on Kinjo Plus with code “theautismdad”.

In this week's episode, I spoke with Jason Brown about being a Dad and as well as his experience parenting his amazing autistic daughter. About Jason Brown: Jason Brown is the father of his beautiful, hilarious, incredibly smart 7-year-old daughter who was diagnosed with ASD at the age of 3. He is also the owner of Starling Studios, a recording studio, with a focus on Post Production for Film and TV and Podcast Production. About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com. Mentioned in this episode: Do you work with or care for children with autism? Learn from leading autism experts, activivists and self-advocates, including Dr. Tyler Whitney, Alix Generous, Kaelynn Partlow from the Nexflix series “Love on The Spectrum”, the clinical team at Springbrook Autism Behavioral Health, and more at Converge Autism Summit, May 16 and 17 at the Greenville South Carolina convention center.  Learn more and get tickets at convergeautism.com. Use the code “autismdad15” and save 15%

In this week's episode, Master IEP Coach Kimberly Charles is on the show to help us better navigate the IEP process and answer some of your IEP questions. She has tons of advice that can help parents and IEP teams work better together. When we all work together, our kids benefit the most. About Kimberly Charles: Kimberly Charles is a Special Education Consultant and Master IEP Coach® who works with parents of children with special needs to support them through the special education process. Kimberly believes parents are the experts on their child and believes that their full participation in the special education process is vital to the success of their child.  Kimberly has taught special education to children in grades k through 8, in multiple states over the last 20 years. She left the classroom to bring her years of experience to the other side of the IEP table helping families secure the support their child needs in school. Kimberly is an active member of the Master IEP Coach Community® and belongs to the Council of Parents Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA).  Kimberly holds a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from Clemson University. https://kimberlyjcharles.com/ Facebook Instagram Mentioned in this episode: The Hoglet by Hedgehog Health is one of the coolest sensory tools I’ve seen in a long time. My youngest absolutely loves his Hoglet. The Hoglet was created by a Special Education teacher to appeal to autistic people, people with ADHD, and other sensory-seeking learners, as well as people who just love to fidget. The Hoglet is a plug-and-play wireless computer mouse with a specially-made silicone cover. The Hoglet is covered in tiny nubs, kind of mimicking the look of well, a Hedgehog. The cover provides satisfying tactile sensory input which many sensory seekers benefit from. It’s perfect for classrooms, computer labs, working from home, or just bringing color and fidget fun to cubicles everywhere. The Hoglet is made of food-grade silicone. It’s durable, super easy to clean, fun to use, and comes in 5 vibrant colors. For more information, visit Amazon and search for "Hoglet computer mouse" of click here. Use the promo code “autismdad1” and you’ll also get two free Hoglet fidget keychains. That’s a $15 value, absolutely free. 

Tiffany Hamilton co-founded Victor Wear, along with her autistic son Isaiah. Victor Wear is an inspirational clothing line that inspires resilience. 10% of every Victor Wear product sold goes to Special Olympics. Tiffany is on a mission to build a corporation primarily run by people with disabilities. This is the inspiration behind her journey. Guest Bio: Mom and Founder of Victor Wear, an inspirational activewear brand, with her amazing teenage son. Its mission is to inspire triumph over obstacles and empower underserved communities to be victorious. 10% of every product sold goes to Special Olympics VA Check out Victor Wear Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys as well as Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: listen.theautismdad.com Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Mightier Mightier is a clinically proven mobile gaming app that was developed at Boston Children’s Hospital. It’s already helped more than 100,000 kids, including my crew here at home. Kids play on a tablet or a phone while wearing a heart rate monitor. And Mightier incorporates breathing exercises and other calming techniques as part of the game. Kids get to see when it’s time to cool down and learn how to do it themselves. And parents get to track their progress. Visit mightier.com and use the promo code "theautismdad22" at checkout to save 10%. Visit Mightier Learn More About SeeInMe It's not easy to trust anyone with your vulnerable loved ones. When my kids were younger, I was terrified of leaving them with anyone outside of close family. I worried that my kids wouldn't be understood or have their needs met by anyone who didn't really know them. I've had so many conversations with other parents over the years who feel the same way. It's tough. It really is. And I get it for anyone going through this right now. I have good news for you SeeInMe can help. SeeInMe is a card that uses NFC technology and QR codes to allow teachers, caregivers, healthcare workers, and even first responders to learn about your loved one instantly. The profile you create for your loved one will pop up on their phone screen and provide valuable information that can make interactions in any setting. Personalized and positive SeeInMe was designed by Dr. Risa Stein, a mother to a neurodivergent son and a clinical psychologist. She designed CME to help with her own family, and it can help yours too. You can learn more about SeeInMe by visiting seeinme.com. Use the code "theautismdad" to save 20%. Visit SeeInMe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2E11 Wandering is a huge problem in the Autism community and it's reached epidemic levels. Sidra Collins is an Autism Mom and Community Manager at AngelSense. She joins me to discuss everything you need to know about wandering and how AngelSense is working to save the lives of Autistic kids who wander. If you are worried about your child with Autism wandering off, you need to listen. You can find AngelSense: https://www.angelsense.com/?tap_a=14876-c779a9&tap_s=675377-ca747e&utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=robgorski2 (angelsense.com) Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngelSenseGPS (https://twitter.com/AngelSenseGPS) http://bit.ly/2ZPjjAx (Support This Podcast) You can find me: https://my.captivate.fm/theautismdad.com (theautismdad.com) Twitter: https://twitter.com/theautismdad (https://twitter.com/theautismdad) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders BrainyAct BrainyAct® provides tech-enabled, patent-pending therapy programs delivered via gamification for neurological disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and ADHD. BrainyAct activates the underdeveloped areas of the brain through exercises that strategically target a child’s balance, gravity, gross/fine motor, rhythm and timing, visual motor perception, and memory. Putting hope in motion means putting your family first in everything we do and using movement to affect real change. Shifting hope to a reality. 91% of families report global brain improvements after four months. Our company was built on the premise to create real, measurable, and visible change that shows you how your child is improving through data. BrainyAct is for homes and schools. Visit Kinuu.com. Use promo code THEAUTISMDAD and save $500. This is a limited time offer. Visit BrainyAct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, I speak with my 24 year old autistic son, Gavin, talks about his transition into adulthood. We talk about everything for employment, independent living, and dating. Gavin is amazing and he’s so honest about what this journey is like for him and how it makes him feel. You don’t want to miss this. About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for the last 15 years. Connect with Rob: theautismdad.link Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Wee Meditate Wee Meditate—the meditation platform for kids of all abilities. Meet characters like Weasel with autism and Fox who helps with anxiety, in meditations that make bedtime a breeze. Subscribe for $49.99/year and use code "theautismdad" for 10% off. Visit Wee Meditate Learn More About Tranquil Path Financial Planning Britta Kepf is a dedicated special needs financial planner at Tranquil Path Financial Planning, offering unbiased, tailored advice for families across the U.S. She specializes in retirement and special needs financial planning, helping families navigate government benefits and long-term needs with clarity and peace of mind. For compassionate, personalized financial guidance, contact Britta Kepf at tranquilfp.com. Visit Tranquil Path Financial Planning Learn More: Mightier Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to self-regulate emotionally. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier. Read My Mightier Review and the code “theautismdad22” to save 10% off your order. Visit Mightier

Episode Summary In this conversation, Rob Gorski speaks with Samantha Fox, a speech language pathologist and founder of Beyond Speech Therapy Center. They discuss non-speaking autism and the challenges related to communication. Samantha shares her journey into speech pathology and how she discovered the importance of motor control in communication. They delve into the concept of apraxia and when parents should be concerned about their non-speaking child. Hosted by Rob Gorski: Rob Gorski, a devoted single father to three incredible autistic sons, is the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. As a multi-award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, and influential social media figure for over a decade, Rob continues to share his family's journey, providing insights, resources, and support to the autism community. Connect with Rob by visiting theautismdad.link Guest Expert: Samantha Fox, MA, CCC-SLP, S2C Practitioner Samantha is a Kent State University alumnus with a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She's dedicated her career to working with non-speaking, minimally speaking, and unreliably speaking individuals on the autism spectrum. As a registered Spelling to Communicate (S2C) Practitioner, she pioneers in tailoring therapy to each individual's needs. Samantha founded Beyond Speech Therapy Center in Munroe Falls, Ohio, envisioning a practice that wholeheartedly presumes competence in all patients, irrespective of their diagnosis or test scores. Connect with Samantha Fox: Learn more about S2C and Samantha’s practice Beyond Speech Therapy Center: https://beyondspeechtherapycenter.com Like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/beyondspeech International Association for Spelling as Communication (IASc): https://www.i-asc.org Takeaways Motor control plays a crucial role in communication for non-speaking individuals with autism. Apraxia is a disconnect between the brain and the body, resulting in difficulty in coordinating speech movements. Parents should seek early intervention and consult with speech therapists to determine the best approach for their non-speaking child. Presuming competence is essential in supporting non-speaking individuals and recognizing their capabilities beyond their outward appearance. Mentioned in this episode: Learn More: Mightier Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to self-regulate emotionally. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier. Read My Mightier Review and the code “theautismdad22” to save 10% off your order. Visit Mightier Learn More About Tranquil Path Financial Planning Britta Kepf is a dedicated special needs financial planner at Tranquil Path Financial Planning, offering unbiased, tailored advice for families across the U.S. She specializes in retirement and special needs financial planning, helping families navigate government benefits and long-term needs with clarity and peace of mind. For compassionate, personalized financial guidance, contact Britta Kepf at tranquilfp.com. Visit Tranquil Path Financial Planning Learn More About Wee Meditate Wee Meditate—the meditation platform for kids of all abilities. Meet characters like Weasel with autism and Fox who helps with anxiety, in meditations that make bedtime a breeze. Subscribe for $49.99/year and use code "theautismdad" for 10% off. Visit Wee Meditate

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 finds his path, and together they explore his unique strengths and accomplishments. Tune in to hear Rob and Elliott’s inspiring conversation and subscribe for more insightful episodes on parenting, autism, and family! Key Highlights: - Elliott’s Creative Venture: Learn about Autistic Eyes, Elliott’s digital photography business, where he shares his distinctive view of the world through his art. - Transition to Adulthood: Elliott candidly discusses the pressures of adult responsibilities, including his choice not to drive due to anxiety. - Managing Anxiety and ADHD: Rob and Elliott talk about navigating anxiety, understanding ADHD, and using coping mechanisms to improve mental health. - Movie Review of Wild Robot: Hear Elliott’s thoughts on Wild Robot, now his favorite movie, and why its wholesome storytelling resonated with him. - Support Elliott’s Work: Find out where you can follow Elliott on social media and support his photography store. Links Mentioned: - Autistic Eyes Photo Store - Follow Elliott on Instagram and Facebook - Connect with Rob: theautismdad.com Takeaway: This episode captures the journey of a father and son navigating life’s transitions, celebrating individual growth, and fostering creativity. Perfect for parents, young adults, and anyone who values open discussions on autism, mental health, and family life. Today's Sponsors: Dani Plan Introducing Dani Plan, an innovative online tool for organizing and managing care for individuals with special needs. Created by Joel and Debbie Pearlman, this platform lets you securely store medical details, daily routines, and emergency contacts in one place, making care transitions seamless. Try it free for 14 days, and use code "theautismdad" to save 25% on your first year at daniplan.com/theautismdad.

Have you ever struggled to navigate the app marketplace while looking for something to help your kids or loved ones with a disability? If so, this is the perfect show for you. My guest Cristen Carson Reat, she's the cofounder and Program Director at BridgingApps.org. She's here today to talk about BridgingApps, a free, heavily curated, and carefully vetted database of apps for people with disabilities. Guest Bio: Cristen Carson Reat is the Co-Founder and Program Director of BridgingApps.org, a program of Easter Seals Greater Houston. Cristen holds a M.A. degree from the University of Texas at Austin, graduated from the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, and is certified through the Assistive Technology Applications Program at California State University. She is a proud veteran of the United States Army, where she served as a linguist and has worked in education for fifteen years, most of that time at an educational non-profit. She has written articles on apps for special needs populations that have appeared in National Down Syndrome Communicator, TechEdge Magazine, and Parenting Special Needs Magazine. She is the mother of two sons, one of whom has Down syndrome and autism. Connect with Cristen at bridgingapps.org Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys as well as Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Mightier Mightier is a clinically proven mobile gaming app that was developed at Boston Children’s Hospital. It’s already helped more than 100,000 kids, including my crew here at home. Kids play on a tablet or a phone while wearing a heart rate monitor. And Mightier incorporates breathing exercises and other calming techniques as part of the game. Kids get to see when it’s time to cool down and learn how to do it themselves. And parents get to track their progress. Visit mightier.com and use the promo code "theautismdad22" at checkout to save 10%. Visit Mightier Learn More About Victor Wear Did you know that 85% of autistic people are either unemployed or underemployed? It’s a staggering statistic that Tiffany Hamilton and her autistic son Isaiah are working to address with Victor Wear. Victor Wear is an inspirational clothing line that inspires resilience and triumphs over obstacles. Their stylish, super soft, colorful tees sport positive and affirming slogans. They want anyone wearing the VW flame logo to see it as a badge of courage. Victor Wear is warrior wear for those who Rise Above their personal challenges. Because it’s not about how hard you fall. It’s about whether or how you get back up. That’s what being a Victor is all about. Tiffany and Isaiah’s goal is for Victor Wear to become a leading employer and source of empowerment for autistic individuals. 10% of each and every product sold supports Special Olympics VA. To learn more, order your own Victor Wear shirt or hoodie, visit victorwear.com and use the promo code “theautismdad” at check out to save 10% off your entire order. Visit Victor Wear Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My good friend and male life coach, Dennis Procopio is back. Dennis is the man behind MAN-UP! Life Coaching and over the last decade, he's helped hundreds and hundreds of guys get unstuck and become better versions of themselves. He's here today to discuss how men and women communicate, experience emotions, and approach relationships in different ways. This will not only help the guys out there but also their partners who are trying to better understand them. As someone who's recently re-entered the world of dating after over 20 years, I can definitely use the insight and advice. I know there are so many guys out there struggling to navigate some of these things and we're here to help. I have learned so much from my conversations with Dennis and he's helping me become a better version of myself. He can do the same for you or the man in your life. You can connect with Dennis and schedule a FREE strategy session at manuplifecoaching.com Submit your topic suggestions for Dennis and me to rob@theautismdad.com About Dennis: MAN-UP! Life Coaching As the founder of Man-UP! Life Coaching (MULC), I’m often asked about my background and how I got into the profession of coaching men.That’s a long story that I will begin to answer below, but the one quick thing I can say about myself as a coach is this:After 30-some-odd years of experience, there's no work that I would rather do. There's no greater reward for me than helping another man to become their best self. All my information and relevant links are here Support this podcast: venmo.com/theautismdad Sponsors This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30-day trial. This episode is also brought to you by Hero Health. HERO is a smart automatic pill dispenser that dramatically improves medication management and compliance. Learn more at theautismdad.com/hero and use code "theautismdad50" to save $50.  CONTACT ME Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode, Dr. Crystal Morrison and I discuss our personal experiences with parenting guilt. We all experience parenting guilt, but how do we manage it and prevent it from impacting how we parent our kids? Secondly, on the topic of parenting, we talk about the importance of not only building your village but keeping the people within it communicating with each other for the betterment of your child. Dr. Crystal Morrison introduces us to Meerkat Village, a tech platform she Co-Founded that helps to keep everyone in your village aligned and working together. About Dr. Crystal Morrison: Dr. Crystal G. Morrison is a highly regarded executive advisor, strategist, leader, scientist, and tech entrepreneur. While progressing in her career as a scientist, Dr. Morrison was also growing her family. She has three beautiful children ages 19, 17 and 14. One of her children is autistic and has additional mental health diagnoses, and two of her children were adopted and experienced extreme poverty and trauma. As a mom, she’s spent almost 20 years navigating the complex system of care and advocating for her children. It’s been frustrating and overwhelming, and millions of parents and caregivers face the same feelings and challenges daily. Her experience inspired her to co-found and lead Meerkat Village, a software company dedicated to improving outcomes for children with special needs by building collaboration and communication among adults providing care. Connect with Dr. Crystal Morrison and learn more about Meerkat Village. Visit meerkatvillage.com About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com. Featured in this week’s episode: ABLEnow ABLEnow – tax-advantaged savings accounts for eligible individuals with disabilities. Learn if you, or someone you know, is eligible to open an ABLEnow account at ABLEnow.com. Goally Goally is a digital visual scheduler, AAC talker, token board system, and more all rolled into one easy-to-use app. It's made for unique thinkers like autistic kids and kids with ADHD. Kids together with Goally can conquer daily routines and therapy practice without prompting from mom or dad. This reduces that feeling of nagging your kids, and it also grants your kids some autonomy to sort of manage their own lives. Goally can easily be used on your child's existing device or with Goally's optional and affordable, dedicated device. In my house, we found that the dedicated device seems to work better for my son, so that's what we use. For more information, you can visit getgoally.com and use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order.

This is an unplanned follow-up to last week's "Untethered From Reality". Shortly after recording and publishing last week's episode, Gavin was rushed to the hospital via ambulance. I'll talk about what happened, why Gavin was hospitalized, where we stand right now, and what we learned. This was a really scary experience and it sorta completes last week's story. It's a teachable moment and provides some insight into what families like mine can often find themselves confronting. About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary: In this episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, I sat down with my 17-year-old autistic son, Elliott as we reflected on some of the highlights in 2023. We also talk about what he wants to do with his life and where he wants to be in 2024. Elliott is absolutely amazing and you'll be hearing more from him in season 7. Guest Expert: Elliott Gorski Elliott Gorski, the middle son of Rob Gorski, has become an inspiring figure in his own right within the autism community. Growing up with autism, Elliott's journey has been shared through his father's blog, "The Autism Dad", providing a unique and personal perspective on life with autism. His story, chronicled by his father, has touched the hearts of many, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs faced by individuals on the autism spectrum. Elliott's experiences have not only contributed to raising awareness about autism but have also served as a beacon of hope and understanding for families navigating similar paths. As he matures, Elliott continues to embody resilience and adaptability, traits that make him a role model for many. Hosted by Rob Gorski: Rob Gorski, a devoted single father to three incredible autistic sons, is the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. As a multi-award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, and influential social media figure for over a decade, Rob continues to share his family's journey, providing insights, resources, and support to the autism community. Connect with Rob: https://theautismdad.com You can find all past episodes anywhere you get your podcasts. Here are a few options. Apple Podcast Spotify How to listen on your favorite app: Download your favorite app and search for “ The Autism Dad”. Hit the subscribe button to be notified of all new releases. This prevents you from always having to search. Alternatively, you can visit the official website at https://listen.theautismdad.com. Everything is there as well. Today’s Sponsors: Goally: Goally is a comprehensive app, serving as a digital scheduler, AAC speaker, and token board system. Designed for unique thinkers like autistic and ADHD kids, it helps them master daily routines and therapy without parental reminders, reducing nagging and promoting self-management. Goally can be used on your child's device or an affordable, dedicated device, which we've found more effective in our home. For more information, you can visit getgoally.com and use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order. Aceing Autism ACEing Autism provides tennis programs for children on the autism spectrum aged 5 to 18, focusing on growth, social skills, and physical fitness. Tailored to individual needs with one-on-one volunteer support, the program includes weekend sessions and offers scholarships for accessibility. It aims to build confidence and social connections, with extended support available beyond age 18. More information can be found at aceingautism.org.

In today's very special episode, I'm sitting down with my 15-year-old autistic son, Emmett, for a truly unique conversation. For the first time, Emmett opens up about his experience of being non-verbal for the first 4.5 years of his life. This intimate discussion gives us a rare insight into the world of non-verbal autism, helping to challenge stereotypes and deepen understanding. You won't want to miss this emotional and enlightening episode that aims to inspire and educate. About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://theautismdad.com Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Mightier: Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to self-regulate emotionally. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier. Read My Mightier Review and the code “theautismdad22” to save 10% off your order.

My guest is Eileen Silverberg. She’s a Life Coach in Emotional Management and author of “A Warrior of Light: A Guide of Inner Wisdom For Challenging Times”. We have a very important conversation about the physical and emotional challenges of being a caregiver. Eileen shares her personal journey of becoming a caregiver to her mother. The message here is very important. Please listen, share, subscribe and rate this episode. Eileen Silverberg’s Links: Website: https://eileensilverberg.com/ Get her book here All my information and relevant links are here Sponsors This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30-day trial. This episode is also brought to you by Hero Health. HERO is a smart automatic pill dispenser that dramatically improves medication management and compliance. Learn more at theautismdad.com/hero and use code “theautismdad50” to save $50.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders BrainyAct BrainyAct® provides tech-enabled, patent-pending therapy programs delivered via gamification for neurological disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and ADHD. BrainyAct activates the underdeveloped areas of the brain through exercises that strategically target a child’s balance, gravity, gross/fine motor, rhythm and timing, visual motor perception, and memory. Putting hope in motion means putting your family first in everything we do and using movement to affect real change. Shifting hope to a reality. 91% of families report global brain improvements after four months. Our company was built on the premise to create real, measurable, and visible change that shows you how your child is improving through data. BrainyAct is for homes and schools. Visit Kinuu.com. Use promo code THEAUTISMDAD and save $500. This is a limited time offer. Visit BrainyAct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode, I speak with Lukas Lange, the CEO and co-founder of Probably Genetic. Probably Genetic is working very hard to make genetic testing more accessible to families who need it. Families like mine. Lukas and I discuss what genetic testing is, the role genetics plays in our lives and why it's so important to genetically test kids diagnosed with Autism. We also discuss the many hurdles to obtaining genetic testing in our current healthcare system, including cost and wait times, as well as why it's a major problem for many families. Lukas also shares what Probably Genetic is doing to cut through all of this and make this invaluable testing accessible to families at a significantly reduced cost and in a fraction of the time. I've been consulting with Probably Genetic for over a year and helping them to better understand the unique needs of Autism families and how they can better meet those needs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: BrainyAct BrainyAct® provides tech-enabled, patent-pending therapy programs delivered via gamification for neurological disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and ADHD. BrainyAct activates the underdeveloped areas of the brain through exercises that strategically target a child’s balance, gravity, gross/fine motor, rhythm and timing, visual motor perception, and memory. Putting hope in motion means putting your family first in everything we do and using movement to affect real change. Shifting hope to a reality. 91% of families report global brain improvements after four months. Our company was built on the premise to create real, measurable, and visible change that shows you how your child is improving through data. BrainyAct is for homes and schools. Visit Kinuu.com. Use promo code THEAUTISMDAD and save $500. This is a limited time offer. Visit BrainyAct Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this insightful episode of The Autism Dad podcast, host Rob Gorski sits down with Richard Spurling, the executive director and co-founder of Aceing Autism. They delve into the transformative impact of recreational programs for children with autism, discussing how the sport of tennis can offer vital social, physical, and cognitive benefits. Guest Expert: Richard Spurling: Executive Director and Co-Founder of Aceing Autism Richard Spurling serves as the Executive Director of Aceing Autism, a nonprofit he co-founded. His journey began with a deep-seated passion for tennis and a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of children with autism. Richard has dedicated his career to developing accessible, fun, and enriching tennis programs tailored to the unique needs of autistic children. Under his leadership, Aceing Autism has blossomed into a nationally recognized organization, providing countless children the opportunity to thrive both on and off the tennis court. His innovative approach and unwavering dedication to inclusivity have not only brought joy and growth to the children he serves but also fostered a strong sense of community among families, volunteers, and staff. Learn more about Aceing Autism by visiting: https://aceingautism.org Like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Aceingautism Hosted by Rob Gorski: Rob Gorski, a devoted single father to three incredible autistic sons, is the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. As a multi-award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, and influential social media figure for over a decade, Rob continues to share his family's journey, providing insights, resources, and support to the autism community. Connect with Rob: https://theautismdad.com You can find all past episodes anywhere you get your podcasts. Here are a few options. Apple Podcast Spotify How to listen on your favorite app: Download your favorite app and search for “ The Autism Dad”. Hit the subscribe button to be notified of all new releases. This prevents you from always having to search. Alternatively, you can visit the official website at https://listen.theautismdad.com. Everything is there as well. Today’s Sponsors: Hibi Health Hibi is an app designed to help families manage the care of children with additional needs. It integrates health, education, and social care information in one platform, offering tools for personalized care management and collaborative sharing with family, friends, and professionals. Developed through extensive family collaboration, Hibi aims to reduce the overwhelm and isolation of caregiving. It's free to download and try out on Android and iOS, with more information available at hibi.health.

Summary In the conversation, Rob Gorski and Brittyn Coleman address the challenges of Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) in autistic children. They differentiate ARFID from sensory eating issues and discuss the nutritional difficulties these children face. Brittyn advises on supplement introduction and stresses the need for professional support. The importance of community among parents of autistic children is also highlighted. Additionally, Brittyn Coleman, an autism dietitian, speaks on the specific protein requirements for autistic children, noting that protein powders are often unnecessary and potentially harmful to their kidneys. She suggests using a food journal to assess a child’s dietary needs and underscores the role of fiber. Strategies for incorporating vegetables and fostering a trusting relationship with food are discussed, emphasizing a sustainable approach and community support. About Brittyn Coleman Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD, is a distinguished Registered Dietitian and Autism Nutrition Expert, known for her innovative, sensory-friendly feeding approach to nutrition for children on the autism spectrum. As the founder of the Nourishing autism Collective, and as an autism sibling herself, Brittyn brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to her work. She empowers families with her expert guidance, helping children receive essential nutrients for optimal health and development. Her strategies are tailored to the unique dietary needs and sensory preferences of each child. Brittyn's influence extends beyond her membership site through her active social media presence and her popular podcast, 'Nourishing Autism'. Her educational content on Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms has established her as a leading voice in autism nutrition, providing valuable resources, practical advice, and a supportive community for parents and professionals. Connect with Brittyn Coleman Instagram Facebook Website About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for the last 15 years. Connect with Rob: theautismdad.link Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Wee Meditate Wee Meditate—the meditation platform for kids of all abilities. Meet characters like Weasel with autism and Fox who helps with anxiety, in meditations that make bedtime a breeze. Subscribe for $49.99/year and use code "theautismdad" for 10% off. Visit Wee Meditate Learn More: Mightier Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to self-regulate emotionally. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier. Read My Mightier Review and the code “theautismdad22” to save 10% off your order. Visit Mightier Learn More About Tranquil Path Financial Planning Britta Kepf is a dedicated special needs financial planner at Tranquil Path Financial Planning, offering unbiased, tailored advice for families across the U.S. She specializes in retirement and special needs financial planning, helping families navigate government benefits and long-term needs with clarity and peace of mind. For compassionate, personalized financial guidance, contact Britta Kepf at tranquilfp.com. Visit Tranquil Path Financial Planning

In this week’s episode, (recorded on 4/8/2020) I talk with my friend Hazel McAdam. Hazel and I decided to have a conversation about everything from ADHD, Anxiety, and COVID19 to politics and how the outside world views the Trump administration’s handling of the COVID19 pandemic. I don’t typically, delve into politics but it’s interesting to hear firsthand what the people in other countries think of the insanity going on here in the US right now. Emmett joins at one point and speaks with Hazel about how he’s doing. Please keep in mind that this was recorded on April 8th. Things have progressed very quickly in regards to COVID19, so the numbers and some information may be out of date at the time you’re listening. You can find Hazel: Twitter: https://twitter.com/H_Mc92 IMPORTANT INFORMATION I wanted to provide you with a list of reliable sources for information regarding COVID19. Facts, science medicine, and accurate, truthful information matter now more than ever. These are some of the people and medical facilities that I trust and rely on for information about this pandemic. Please give them a follow. Dr. Tara C. Smith Professor, infectious disease epidemiologist Twitter: twitter.com/aetiology Website: aracsmith.com Cleveland Clinic Twitter: twitter.com/clevelandclinic Website: clevelandclinic.org Mayo Clinic Twitter:twitter.com/mayoclinic Website: mayoclinic.org CDC Twitter: twitter.com/cdcgov Website: cdc.gov Support This Podcast You can find me: theautismdad.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/theautismdad This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30-day trial. This episode is brought to you by AngelSense. Wandering is a huge problem in the Autism community and it’s reached epidemic levels. AngelSense is working to save the lives of Autistic kids who wander, by empowering parents with GPS tracking tools that helps them to immediately intervene should an episode of elopement occur. Visit angelsense.com for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Safe Place Bedding, a company dedicated to providing safe, comfortable sleeping solutions for special needs individuals. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: - What is Angelman Syndrome?  Jonathon gives an overview of this rare genetic disorder, including symptoms like motor challenges, communication difficulties, and the prevalence of seizures. - Parenting a Child with Special Needs:  Insights into Jonathon’s journey, from the long process of diagnosis to the emotional challenges of acceptance and caregiving for life. - Creating Safe Place Bedding:  How a family trip and a sleepless night led to the invention of Safe Place Bedding, a line of secure, portable, and at-home sleeping solutions for individuals with special needs. - Making Travel and Home Life Easier:  Discover the features of the travel bed and home bed solutions that provide safety and comfort, helping families enjoy peace of mind wherever they are. - Insurance Coverage and Accessibility:  Jonathon breaks down how families can work with Medicaid and private insurance to obtain these innovative beds, with support provided every step of the way. Why This Episode Matters: This heartfelt conversation highlights the power of resilience and creativity in the special needs community. Jonathon’s journey emphasizes the importance of problem-solving and the impact of creating resources that help families facing similar challenges. Links & Resources: - Safe Place Bedding: Learn more about their travel and home bed solutions and how to apply for insurance coverage. Visit SafePlaceBedding.com - Contact Rob Gorski: Connect with me at theautismdad.com for more information about the podcast and resources for parents. Help Spread the Word! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Your feedback helps other families find this valuable resource. Don’t forget to share this episode with anyone who might benefit from Jonathon’s story and Safe Place Bedding. Thank you for your continued support, and I’ll see you in the next episode! This Week's Sponsors: Circle Care Services Circle Care Services offers personalized ABA therapy for children with autism in New Jersey and Georgia, providing support at home, in daycares, or clinics. Their skilled team partners with parents to build confidence and unlock each child’s potential. Visit circlecareservices.com or call (877) 460-1104. Grokkoli Hey parents! Is your child struggling with math? Meet Grokkoli, an AI tutor that helps kids progress multiple grade levels in months. Grokkoli identifies where your child struggles, meets them at their level, and is effective even for kids with learning disabilities, ensuring they get the support they need. Currently supporting K-5 math, Grokkoli is expanding to grow with your child, making it a great alternative to human tutors at a lower cost. Try Grokkoli free for 7 days! Visit grokkoli.com and use code “theautismdad” for 50% off your first month.

I’ve been wanting to do this episode FOREVER and it finally happened. My guest today is Dr. Emilee Valler. She’s a pediatric psychologist with the Cleveland Clinic’s Children’s Center for Autism. Dr. Valler is here to talk about what autism is and what it’s not. We talk about what parents should look for when to be concerned, where to go for help, the diagnostic process, what to expect, early intervention, as well as beneficial therapies, services, and supports that can help you and your child, be successful. This is such an important conversation and so many parents find themselves in a situation where their child has received a diagnosis and they’re scared, confused, alone, and unsure of what to do. This episode can help. Even veteran autism parents can benefit from being reminded of what other families are going through. This is also important because it helps people in general gain a better understanding of what autism is and what our families might be experiencing. Hopefully, something you learn today can make a difference in your life or the life of someone you care about. So please pay attention and share it with anyone who might benefit. Guest Info: You can find the Cleveland Clinic by visiting my.clevelandclinic.org You can find the Center for Autism by clicking here You can find Dr. Emilee Valler by clicking here All my information and relevant links are here Support this podcast: venmo.com/theautismdad Sponsors Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30-day trial. HERO by Hero Health is a smart automatic pill dispenser that dramatically improves medication management and compliance. Learn more at theautismdad.com/hero and use code “theautismdad50” to save $50.  CONTACT ME Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders BrainyAct BrainyAct® provides tech-enabled, patent-pending therapy programs delivered via gamification for neurological disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and ADHD. BrainyAct activates the underdeveloped areas of the brain through exercises that strategically target a child’s balance, gravity, gross/fine motor, rhythm and timing, visual motor perception, and memory. Putting hope in motion means putting your family first in everything we do and using movement to affect real change. Shifting hope to a reality. 91% of families report global brain improvements after four months. Our company was built on the premise to create real, measurable, and visible change that shows you how your child is improving through data. BrainyAct is for homes and schools. Visit Kinuu.com. Use promo code THEAUTISMDAD and save $500. This is a limited time offer. Visit BrainyAct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode, I speak with Taylor Linloff. Taylor is 25 years old and was diagnosed with Autism and severe anxiety in 2018. Taylor became an advocate after being cast in CBC's "You Can't Ask That" Docuseries and is listed as #10 in The Mighty's top 14 autistic influencers. Taylor also lost her father, Conrad, last month to cancer and she wanted to use her experience to help others, like myself, better understand how Autistic people grieve. "It's unfortunate that people still think autistics can't emotionally connect or love someone to mourn them when they're gone. We, as in society as a whole, needs to shift our focus and understanding to better understand, support, and respect our emotional capabilities." - Taylor Linloff Taylor titled and picked the artwork for this episode. The rose is dedicated to both her late father and neurodiversity. :-) You can Find Taylor:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AspirationalAutistic/ (https://www.facebook.com/AspirationalAutistic/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspirationalautistic/ (https://www.instagram.com/aspirationalautistic/) Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/aspirationalautistic/ (https://www.instagram.com/aspirationalautistic/) Website: https://aspirationalautistic.wordpress.com/2020/01/17/featured-in/ (https://aspirationalautistic.wordpress.com/) http://bit.ly/2ZPjjAx (Support This Podcast) You can find me: https://my.captivate.fm/theautismdad.com (theautismdad.com) Twitter: https://twitter.com/theautismdad (https://twitter.com/theautismdad) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders BrainyAct BrainyAct® provides tech-enabled, patent-pending therapy programs delivered via gamification for neurological disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and ADHD. BrainyAct activates the underdeveloped areas of the brain through exercises that strategically target a child’s balance, gravity, gross/fine motor, rhythm and timing, visual motor perception, and memory. Putting hope in motion means putting your family first in everything we do and using movement to affect real change. Shifting hope to a reality. 91% of families report global brain improvements after four months. Our company was built on the premise to create real, measurable, and visible change that shows you how your child is improving through data. BrainyAct is for homes and schools. Visit Kinuu.com. Use promo code THEAUTISMDAD and save $500. This is a limited time offer. Visit BrainyAct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest today is Eric Rittenhouse. He’s the father of 2 amazing autistic kids and he’s here to talk about his journey as a special needs parent. Eric has a fantastic outlook on life and an inspiring approach to parenting. I hope you find this conversation about the ups, downs, challenges, and victories of being an autism parent meaningful. It’s so important to share our stories because we’re all connected and we can learn a great deal from each other. Maybe Eric will inspire others Dads to share their stories as well.  All my information and relevant links are here Please support this podcast: venmo.com/theautismdad Sponsors This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30-day trial. CONTACT ME Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: BrainyAct BrainyAct® provides tech-enabled, patent-pending therapy programs delivered via gamification for neurological disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and ADHD. BrainyAct activates the underdeveloped areas of the brain through exercises that strategically target a child’s balance, gravity, gross/fine motor, rhythm and timing, visual motor perception, and memory. Putting hope in motion means putting your family first in everything we do and using movement to affect real change. Shifting hope to a reality. 91% of families report global brain improvements after four months. Our company was built on the premise to create real, measurable, and visible change that shows you how your child is improving through data. BrainyAct is for homes and schools. Visit Kinuu.com. Use promo code THEAUTISMDAD and save $500. This is a limited time offer. Visit BrainyAct Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this weeks episode, I interview Sasha Shtern, CEO of Goally. Goally is really cool tech that I’ve been testing with my oldest. Goally helps kids with autism and ADHD manage their own routines or schedules independently. This is huge for many families and I’m excited to bring it to your attention. I’ve had this in my house for a few months and I’m super impressed with it. Sasha is here to talk about how Goally works. We also talk about how it’s helping so many kids to gain independence. Learn more about Goally: goally.co They’ve provided my listeners with a coupon code. Use the code “theautismdad” at check out for free shipping. About Sasha Shtern:Sasha Shtern is CEO of Denver-based Goally. Goally helps parents implement the most effective protocols at home without complicated jargon or training. Sasha is a lifelong tech lover and entrepreneur. About Me:All my information and relevant links are here SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30-day trial. This episode is also brought to you by Hero Health. HERO is a smart automatic pill dispenser that dramatically improves medication management and compliance. Learn more at theautismdad.com/hero and use code “theautismdad50” to save $50. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders BrainyAct BrainyAct® provides tech-enabled, patent-pending therapy programs delivered via gamification for neurological disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and ADHD. BrainyAct activates the underdeveloped areas of the brain through exercises that strategically target a child’s balance, gravity, gross/fine motor, rhythm and timing, visual motor perception, and memory. Putting hope in motion means putting your family first in everything we do and using movement to affect real change. Shifting hope to a reality. 91% of families report global brain improvements after four months. Our company was built on the premise to create real, measurable, and visible change that shows you how your child is improving through data. BrainyAct is for homes and schools. Visit Kinuu.com. Use promo code THEAUTISMDAD and save $500. This is a limited time offer. Visit BrainyAct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode, we discuss Ray White's journey as a father to an autistic child, exploring the emotions and resilience it entails. Our chat uncovers valuable lessons and emphasizes fathers' overlooked perspectives in advocating for autism awareness. Tune in for deep insights. About Ray: Ray is a 42-year-old father of 3, living in Northeast Ohio. Ray is not only a devoted husband and dad but also an entrepreneur. Navigating the challenges and joys of parenthood, his unique journey includes raising his youngest son, Raymie, who is on the autism spectrum. Sharing this incredible journey with his supportive wife, Nikki White, well-known for her influential podcast 'Raising Raymie,' they form a formidable duo in their commitment to their family and autism advocacy. Mentioned in this episode: Goally Goally is a digital visual scheduler, AAC talker, token board system, and more all rolled into one easy-to-use app. It's made for unique thinkers like autistic kids and kids with ADHD. Kids together with Goally can conquer daily routines and therapy practice without prompting from mom or dad. This reduces that feeling of nagging your kids, and it also grants your kids some autonomy to sort of manage their own lives. Goally can easily be used on your child's existing device or with Goally's optional and affordable, dedicated device. In my house, we found that the dedicated device seems to work better for my son, so that's what we use. For more information, you can visit getgoally.com and use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order. Learn More About Mightier Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to self-regulate emotionally. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier. Read My Mightier Review and the code “theautismdad22” to save 10% off your order. 

Join my new community and discuss this and other episodes of The Autism Dad Podcast with others. It's totally free, and I'd love your feedback. Join Now. My guest today is Dawn Barclay, and she's here to share tips and tricks to make traveling with our autistic kids safe, fun, and enjoyable. She wrote a new book called Traveling Different: Vacation Strategies for Parents of the Anxious, the Inflexible, and the Neurodiverse (will release Aug 15th). Dawn and I have a conversation about some common challenges families face when trying to travel with their autistic, anxious, or otherwise neurodiverse child. She provides no-nonsense solutions, ideas, and advice to help make travel a rewarding experience for the whole family. She also talks about how to evaluate hotels, theme parks, and other places prior to arrival. This is a great episode, especially as we get into the summer months. Check out Dawn's information below to learn more and pre-order the book. Dawn M. Barclay Dawn M. Barclay is an award-winning author who has spent a 30+ year career working in different aspects of the travel industry. After attending Tufts University, she worked in sales, marketing, and management for her parents' firms, Barclay Travel Ltd. and Barclay International Group Short Term Apartment and Villa Rentals. Next, she branched out into travel trade reporting, with senior or contributing editor positions at Travel Agent Magazine, Travel Life, Travel Market Report, and most recently, Insider Travel Report. Dawn holds degrees in psychology and marketing, is a mother of two, and lives in New York's scenic Hudson Valley. She also writes fiction as D.M. Barr and holds leadership roles in several writer organizations. http://www.dawnbarclayink.com   Pre-Order her book on Amazon. Find me at theautismdad.com Join my new community and discuss this and other episodes of The Autism Dad Podcast with others. It's totally free, and I'd love your feedback. Join Now. Mentioned in this episode: Just two Dads Podcast Shawn Francis and Brian Altounian host "Just two Dads." A weekly conversation with two dads about raising children with special needs. Listen, every Wednesday at 12PM PST. Find them on Facebook and anywhere you get your podcasts. Just two Dads Podcast Learn More About Mightier Mightier is a clinically proven mobile gaming app that was developed at Boston Children’s Hospital. It’s already helped more than 100,000 kids, including my crew here at home. Kids play on a tablet or a phone while wearing a heart rate monitor. And Mightier incorporates breathing exercises and other calming techniques as part of the game. Kids get to see when it’s time to cool down and learn how to do it themselves. And parents get to track their progress. Visit mightier.com and use the promo code "theautismdad22" at checkout to save 10%. Visit Mightier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this weeks episode, I speak with Alycia Halladay. Alycia is the Chief Science Officer at the Autism Science Foundation. We recently had a discussion about many things Autism related. We talked about the new Autism statistics released by the CDC and what they mean. We talked about how COVID19 is impacting Autism families and ways we can help. We also discussed the current bane of my existence, at home schoolwork while on COVID19 lockdown. I know that’s a major struggle for many special needs families right now. At the end the show, my youngest, Emmett, decided he wanted to take over and speak with Alycia for a few minutes. He had fun and it was a cool experience for him. About Alycia: Alycia Halladay is the Chief Science Officer at the Autism Science Foundation. She oversees the science programs and portfolio of ASF. She previously served as Senior Director of Environmental and Clinical Sciences at Autism Speaks. She holds a PhD in psychology from Rutgers University and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in pharmacology and toxicology at Rutgers University Website: https://autismsciencefoundation.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AHalladayASF Support The Autism Science Foundation Please remember that self-care is more important than ever. It’s not easy but we have to do our best to look after ourselves, especially during these turbulent and uncertain times. Please listen and share with anyone that could benefit. IMPORTANT INFORMATION I wanted to provide you with a list of reliable sources for information regarding COVID19. Facts, science medicine and accurate, truthful information matter now more than ever. These are some of the people and medical facilities that I trust and rely on for information about this pandemic. Please give them a follow. Dr. Tara C. Smith Professor, infectious disease epidemiologist Twitter: twitter.com/aetiology Website: aracsmith.com Cleveland Clinic Twitter: twitter.com/clevelandclinic Website: clevelandclinic.org Mayo Clinic Twitter:twitter.com/mayoclinic Website: mayoclinic.org CDC Twitter: twitter.com/cdcgov Website: cdc.gov Support This Podcast You can find me: theautismdad.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/theautismdad This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30 day trial. This episode is brought to you by AngelSense. Wandering is a huge problem in the Autism community and it’s reached epidemic levels. AngelSense is working to save the lives of Autistic kids who wander, by empowering parents with GPS tracking tools that helps them to immediately intervene should an episode of elopement occur. Visit angelsense.com for more information.. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, I talk briefly about helping my adult autistic son engage in the voting process. I've learned a few things along the way and thought it would be helpful to discuss this as many out there are in a similar situation. Important Links: My Autism Parenting Support Forum: Click Here Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Mightier Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to emotionally self-regulate. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier. Visit Mightier Review Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’ve been wanting to take on the topic of co-parenting through divorce for a while now. It’s relevant to so many families out there, including mine. David Hill, MD, FAAP literally co-wrote the book on Co-parenting Through Separation and Divorce: Putting Your Children First for the American Academy of Pediatrics. This is such an important topic because divorce is common, but unfortunately, navigating divorce, especially with kids (in general) can be incredibly challenging for a million reasons. There are common mistakes that parents make when going through something this emotionally challenging and Dr. Hill helps us to understand those common mistakes and how to avoid them. This is such an important conversation and I encourage you to listen and share this. The message is a very positive one. David Hill, MD, FAAP, is a hospitalist pediatrician at Goldsboro Pediatrics, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Council Management Committee, and Associate Editor of Pediatric Care Online Patient Education for the AAP. He writes and lectures nationally and internationally on pediatric topics, including media use, fatherhood, and family separation. Grab his book Co-parenting Through Separation and Divorce: Putting Your Children First Check out his website: https://doctordavidhill.com/ Facebook: @DadtoDad Twitter: @DadsBook https://www.instagram.com/davidlhillmd/ https://medium.com/@davidlhillmd https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlhillmd/ All my information and relevant links are here Sponsors This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30-day trial. This episode is also brought to you by Hero Health. HERO is a smart automatic pill dispenser that dramatically improves medication management and compliance. Learn more at theautismdad.com/hero and use code “theautismdad50” to save $50.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(S2E6) I speak with Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum and Jonah Zimilies from LifeTown. LifeTown is a 53,000 sq foot facility built to service the special needs community in Livingston, New Jersey. New Jersey has the highest rate of children with autism in the United States, and the largest population of children on the spectrum live in Essex County. LifeTown is designed to provide desperately needed services for those in the special needs community, as well as help bridge the gaps with the general public. This is an absolutely amazing facility and what's happening in Livingston, New Jersey needs to happen all over this country. You can find LifeTown at www.lifetown.com You can find Words Bookstore at http://www.wordsbookstore.com/ (http://www.wordsbookstore.com/) http://bit.ly/2ZPjjAx (Support This Podcast) You can find me: https://my.captivate.fm/theautismdad.com (theautismdad.com) Twitter: https://twitter.com/theautismdad (https://twitter.com/theautismdad) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders BrainyAct BrainyAct® provides tech-enabled, patent-pending therapy programs delivered via gamification for neurological disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and ADHD. BrainyAct activates the underdeveloped areas of the brain through exercises that strategically target a child’s balance, gravity, gross/fine motor, rhythm and timing, visual motor perception, and memory. Putting hope in motion means putting your family first in everything we do and using movement to affect real change. Shifting hope to a reality. 91% of families report global brain improvements after four months. Our company was built on the premise to create real, measurable, and visible change that shows you how your child is improving through data. BrainyAct is for homes and schools. Visit Kinuu.com. Use promo code THEAUTISMDAD and save $500. This is a limited time offer. Visit BrainyAct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I don't know who needs to hear this but if you're a parent to a child with a disability, this episode was recorded for you. Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys as well as Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Mightier Mightier is a clinically proven mobile gaming app that was developed at Boston Children’s Hospital. It’s already helped more than 100,000 kids, including my crew here at home. Kids play on a tablet or a phone while wearing a heart rate monitor. And Mightier incorporates breathing exercises and other calming techniques as part of the game. Kids get to see when it’s time to cool down and learn how to do it themselves. And parents get to track their progress. Visit mightier.com and use the promo code "theautismdad22" at checkout to save 10%. Visit Mightier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this enlightening episode, we journey into the realm of non-speaking autism, understanding the reasons behind why some individuals on the spectrum may not communicate verbally. We dismantle common misconceptions surrounding non-speaking autism and shed light on alternative communication methods like Spelling to Communicate (S2C). Discover how to better support and connect with those who experience life beyond words. Guest Expert: Samantha Fox, MA, CCC-SLP, S2C Practitioner Samantha is a Kent State University alumnus with a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She's dedicated her career to working with non-speaking, minimally speaking, and unreliably speaking individuals on the autism spectrum. As a registered Spelling to Communicate (S2C) Practitioner, she pioneers in tailoring therapy to each individual's needs. Samantha founded Beyond Speech Therapy Center in Munroe Falls, Ohio, envisioning a practice that wholeheartedly presumes competence in all patients, irrespective of their diagnosis or test scores. Learn more about S2C and Samantha’s practice Beyond Speech Therapy Center: https://beyondspeechtherapycenter.com Like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/beyondspeech International Association for Spelling as Communication (IASc): https://www.i-asc.org Hosted by Rob Gorski: Rob Gorski, a devoted single father to three incredible autistic sons, is the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. As a multi-award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, and influential social media figure for over a decade, Rob continues to share his family's journey, providing insights, resources, and support to the autism community. Connect with Rob: https://theautismdad.com You can find all past episodes anywhere you get your podcasts. Here are a few options. Apple Podcast Spotify How to listen on your favorite app: Download your favorite app and search for “ The Autism Dad”. Hit the subscribe button to be notified of all new releases. This prevents you from always having to search. Alternatively, you can visit the official website at https://listen.theautismdad.com. Everything is there as well. Today’s Sponsors: Meerkat Village: A comprehensive platform aiding special needs families in managing daily challenges through seamless communication and coordination. Discover more at https://meerkatvillage.com. Kinjo: Elevate Roblox gaming with Kinjo's educational spin, blending fun with learning. Enjoy a 10% discount on Kinjo Plus with code “theautismdad” at https://theautismdad.com/Kinjo. Join us as we explore the nuances of non-speaking autism and empower ourselves with the knowledge to foster a more inclusive and understanding environment for all.

IEP or individualized education plan are oftentimes considered a four-letter word in the autism and special needs community. In this episode, I briefly explain what an IEP is and why they're important, before hearing from my guest today. Dennis Procopio is back and this time he's sharing stories from the recent IEP meeting for his son. Sometimes it's helpful to listen to people's real-life experiences because there's much that can be learned. Dennis talks about how he used his experience as a life coach to better navigate what can be a very emotionally charged, and contentious situation. Check out his story and let me know if you'd like to share yours. ☺ I have learned so much from my conversations with Dennis and he’s helping me become a better version of myself. If you would like to talk to Dennis, you can connect with him and schedule a FREE strategy session at manuplifecoaching.com Submit your topic suggestions for Dennis and me to rob@theautismdad.com Find Dennis: MAN-UP! Life Coaching About Rob Gorski: All my information and relevant links are here Support this podcast: venmo.com/theautismdad Sponsors This episode is brought to you by Vitals. The Vitals app automatically provides police, EMS, and other first responders with information on how to better help or interact with our autistic loved ones. Vitals is saving lives by preventing misunderstandings during interactions with police. Download the Vitals app and sign up today by clicking here. This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30-day trial. This episode is also brought to you by Hero Health. HERO is a smart automatic pill dispenser that dramatically improves medication management and compliance. Learn more at theautismdad.com/hero and use code “theautismdad50” to save $50. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There has been such a demand for this topic and I’m really excited to get the ball rolling on potty training. My guest today is Molly Johnson, otherwise known as The Autism Consultant. She’s here to share some potty training tips and tricks. . Guest Bio: Molly is an autism consultant, working with parents to reduce challenging behaviors and teach their child new skills. When working with parents, Molly helps families understand the reason for the barrier and how to move beyond that barrier in a way that meets the child's needs.  Molly has experience working with school-age children and young adults on the spectrum. Through her work as an autism teacher and autism parent consultant, Molly has worked with autistic individuals and their families in a variety of settings, including public schools, a university, a private autism program, and in an online setting.  Molly’s journey as an autism consultant began during her time as an autism classroom teacher when she started a podcast, The Autism Consultant Podcast, addressing how she helped her students move beyond their struggles, improve challenging behavior, and teach new skills.  Connect with Molly: theautismconsultant.us Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Mightier Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to emotionally self-regulate. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier. Visit Mightier Review Learn more about Goally As parents, it sometimes feels like we are constantly nagging our kids to work on their daily living routines. Things like hygiene and bedtime, and homework can be so challenging. We know our kids need to learn this stuff, especially as they move towards independence, but sometimes there's just not enough time in a day. Parenting is tough. Trying to balance everything when it comes to raising kids is not easy, and sometimes as parents, we could use a little help. Enter Goally. Goally is a digital visual scheduler, AAC talker, token board system, and more all rolled into one easy-to-use app. It's made for unique thinkers like autistic kids and kids with ADHD. Kids together with Goally can conquer daily routines and therapy practice without prompting from mom or dad. This reduces that feeling of nagging your kids, and it also grants your kids some autonomy to sort of manage their own lives. Goally can easily be used on your child's existing device or with Goally's optional and affordable, dedicated device. In my house, we found that the dedicated device seems to work better for my son, so that's what we use. For more information, you can visit getgoally.com. That's g-e-t-g-o-a-l-l-y.com; and use the code “theautismdad” and save 10% off your order. Visit Goally Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. About the Guest: Dr. Usman Ali is a dedicated pediatric dentist who has been practicing for over seven years. After completing his residency at the University of Rochester, he joined Akron Children's Hospital in Ohio. Dr. Ali specializes in treating pediatric patients, including those with special needs, and is deeply committed to making dental care accessible and comfortable for children facing various challenges. Resources Mentioned: Akron Children's Hospital Dental Clinic Website: Akron Children's Hospital Dental Clinic Social Media: Links to follow Akron Children's Hospital on Facebook for updates and support. About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for the last 15 years. Connect with Rob: theautismdad.link Mentioned in this episode: Learn More: Goally The Goally tablet is focused on fostering independence in kids without the distractions of ads, social media, or potentially harmful content. Unlike Kindle and iPad tablets, Goally's Tablet exclusively features educational apps like Khan Academy, Duolingo ABC, and Starfall, and is entirely controlled by parents. Goally's Kids Calendar helps kids with things like task management. Kids also learn life skills through video classes and pre-made routines, enhancing their independence. For more information, you can visit getgoally.com and use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order. Visit Goally Learn more about ABLEnow ABLEnow – tax-advantaged savings accounts for eligible individuals with disabilities. Learn if you, or someone you know, is eligible to open an ABLEnow account at ABLEnow.com. ABLEnow Learn More About Super Duper Publications Hello, parents and educators! Enhance your child's learning with Super Duper Publications! Our tools, designed by experts in speech-language and occupational therapy, include engaging games, books, and card decks perfect for any time, anywhere learning. With options for hands-on and digital learning, plus hundreds of free resources, we cater to all children, including those with diverse needs. Dive into fun and effective education at superduperinc.com and use the code "theautismdad10" to save 10%. Visit Super Duper Publications

In this weeks episode, I have a conversation with Mikey Goldman about what it’s like living with ADHD and anxiety. We talk about his journey, some of the struggles and what he’s learned. There’s a lot of really good insights in this episode. We also discuss how his experience lead him to invent the weighted pillow and build a company called Quiet Mind, in order to help other people struggling with ADHD, anxiety, autism, and sensory processing disorder. About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com. About Mikey Goldman: Growing up with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Quiet Mind founder Mikey Goldman has always struggled with ways to calm his mind and quiet that pesky internal monologue we all have. After trying a weighted blanket, he noticed its benefits, but found it difficult to move around at night and during the day. He needed a better solution, but couldn`t find one. That`s when he decided to create the world`s first weighted pillow—Quiet Mind. It was all-natural, convenient, and personal. He wanted to share his invention with other like-minded individuals dealing with the stress and anxiety of living everyday life, struggling to focus with ADHD, finding ways to help their children cope with autism, or who need to quiet their overwhelmed minds. Learn more about The Original Weighted Pillow by Quiet Mind by clicking here. Use the code “theautismdad” to save 15% off your order. Mentioned in this episode: Social Cipher: I'm really excited to share a great new video game we just played in my house, called Ava and it’s created by a company called Social Cipher. Social Cipher’s mission is to represent and empower Neurodivergent youth by teaching self advocacy skills and self confidence through Social Emotional Learning.  This amazing game follows Ava, an autistic space pirate, as she navigates her way through social challenges, self-doubt, and connecting with her community. Ava is helping kids in over 220 schools and therapy centers across 6 countries build the social emotional skills they need to better navigate everyday life.!  Social Cipher is excited to share that they have just released a brand new game mode, called World Builder. World Builder lets players design and create their own fantasy world while exploring the building blocks of social emotional learning. It’s time to design a world with your own creative and adventurous spirit whether it's building a home, a pirate ship, or anything else you can dream up!  Visit https://www.socialciphergame.com/ and use the code: theautismdad to get 15% off and start playing today! Goally: Goally is a digital visual scheduler, AAC talker, token board system, and more all rolled into one easy-to-use app. It's made for unique thinkers like autistic kids and kids with ADHD. Kids together with Goally can conquer daily routines and therapy practice without prompting from mom or dad. This reduces that feeling of nagging your kids, and it also grants your kids some autonomy to sort of manage their own lives. Goally can easily be used on your child's existing device or with Goally's optional and affordable, dedicated device. In my house, we found that the dedicated device seems to work better for my son, so that's what we use. For more information, you can visit getgoally.com and use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order.

This was an unplanned bonus episode that I did in one take. That’s always impressive. I wanted to share an end-of-the-year roundup and talk about some of the things my family has been dealing with in 2020. I also open up about my divorce and share how I’m choosing to handle that. I think it’s a really important message and I hope you all can learn something from my experience. All my information and relevant links are here Support this podcast: venmo.com/theautismdad SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30-day trial. This episode is also brought to you by Hero Health. HERO is a smart automatic pill dispenser that dramatically improves medication management and compliance. Learn more at theautismdad.com/hero and use code “theautismdad50” to save $50.  CONTACT ME  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: BrainyAct BrainyAct® provides tech-enabled, patent-pending therapy programs delivered via gamification for neurological disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and ADHD. BrainyAct activates the underdeveloped areas of the brain through exercises that strategically target a child’s balance, gravity, gross/fine motor, rhythm and timing, visual motor perception, and memory. Putting hope in motion means putting your family first in everything we do and using movement to affect real change. Shifting hope to a reality. 91% of families report global brain improvements after four months. Our company was built on the premise to create real, measurable, and visible change that shows you how your child is improving through data. BrainyAct is for homes and schools. Visit Kinuu.com. Use promo code THEAUTISMDAD and save $500. This is a limited time offer. Visit BrainyAct Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm so excited about this week's episode. I was recently able to screen the upcoming film Tyson's Run. It's an inspirational family film about an autistic boy named Tyson, who decided he wants to run a marathon in order to repair his family. It's such a good, family film and it releases in theaters nationwide on March 11th. My guests today are Major Dodson, who plays Tyson, and Kim Bass. who wrote and directed the film. They stopped by the pod to talk about the inspiration behind Tyson's Run, what it was like filming it, and what lessons they learned along the way. This was such a fun experience for me and I can't wait for you to listen. Tyson's Run is rated PG and will release in theaters nationwide on March 11th. Learn more about the film Tyson's Run and view the trailer by clicking here. Check out Major Dodson on IMDb by clicking here. Check out Kim Bass on IMDb by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Mightier Mightier is a clinically proven mobile gaming app that was developed at Boston Children’s Hospital. It’s already helped more than 100,000 kids, including my crew here at home. Kids play on a tablet or a phone while wearing a heart rate monitor. And Mightier incorporates breathing exercises and other calming techniques as part of the game. Kids get to see when it’s time to cool down and learn how to do it themselves. And parents get to track their progress. Visit mightier.com and use the promo code "theautismdad22" at checkout to save 10%. Visit Mightier Learn More About Trail Magik Communing with nature is one of the best methods of self-care available, and hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy nature. If you’re a parent who enjoys hitting the trails with your little ones, you’re already aware that toddlers will walk some of the journey and want carried the rest of the way. There are tons of contraptions for carrying babies while on the trails, but what about those in between, toddler years? You don’t want to bring a big bulky carrier for a kid who’s only going to use it some of the time. The Trail Magik Kid Carrier solves that problem and does so brilliantly. Invented by a Dad who wanted to take his 3-year-old backpacking. It’s for kiddos 12 months up to 43 pounds. The carrier attaches onto hiking backpacks and durable daypacks that have a waist strap & upper loaders. Weighing less than 10oz, it’s so portable, you can stuff it into the side of your backpack when not in use. It’s a game-changer for the "outdoor adventure family" community. For more information, visit TrailMagik.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at check out and save 10% of your order. Visit Trail Magik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 contribute to this vital initiative. General Timeframes: Beginning of the episode: In the first 10 minutes, Dr. Feliciano shares her personal journey as an autism mom and discusses her son Dylan's progress. Mid-episode: Around the 20-minute mark, the conversation shifts to SPARK's mission and goals, exploring how the initiative is advancing autism research. Towards the end: In the final segment, you'll hear how families can get involved with SPARK and contribute to this important work. Links: SPARK for Autism: https://sparkforautism.org/ The Autism Dad Podcast: https://listen.theautismdad.com Special thanks to our sponsors: Safe Place Bedding: Sleep is a major challenge for many families in our community, and Safe Place Bedding can help. Their sensory-friendly, enclosed beds are perfect for kids with unique needs, and they make it easy to get permanent beds covered by insurance. Plus, their new travel bed ensures better sleep anywhere. Visit safeplacebedding.com/theautismdad to save 10% and give your child the gift of better sleep—because every family deserves a good night’s rest. Autism 360: Autism 360 is a neuro-affirming app for parents of autistic children, offering 24/7 expert guidance, personalized plans, and practical support for daily challenges. Trusted by thousands, it provides affordable, real-time help. Use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% Mightier: Mightier helps kids self-regulate emotionally through biofeedback-based video games. Learn more and get a discount at Visit https://www.mightier.com/. Use code “theautismdad22” to save 10%. Call to Action: Visit SPARKforAutism.org today to learn more and join the movement! Subscribe to The Autism Dad Podcast on your favorite podcast listening app. For more information on The Autism Dad Podcast, to share feedback, to be a guest, or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, visit https://listen.theautismdad.com About the Host: Rob Gorski is The Autism Dad, a passionate advocate for autism awareness and acceptance. He shares his experiences and insights on his podcast and website. Connect with him by visiting https://theautismdad.com.

This week I speak with Sara Roberts about her autism parenting journey. In this unscripted conversation, we learn about her life and the challenges she faces raising her autistic son. About Sara Roberts: Sara is a single mom to her 8 year old son with autism, adhd, dmdd and ocd. She wants to share their daily struggles and obstacles so other parents can know that they aren’t alone.  Connect with Sara on Facebook About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com.

In this weeks episode, I have a parent to parent conversation with Amy Nielsen. She’s an autism mom, author, educator, blogger, podcaster, and early intervention specialist. We talk about her amazing family, life as an autism parent, and how COVID has made things more challenging. We also talk about how she and her husband are navigating the new school year. It’s a great conversation and one you can definitely relate to. About Amy Nielsen: Amy is a former educator with seventeen years of experience. Her educational background includes teaching second grade, elementary media specialist, middle school television production teacher, and middle school media specialist. After her fourth child was diagnosed with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder, she left her full-time teaching career so she would have the flexibility to meet the demands of this special parenting role. Amy runs the Big Abilities Blog and Podcast. I am also a freelance writer for Playground Magazine , contributing author at The Mighty. author of the book It Takes a Village: Get Your Hands Dirty and Build Yours From the Ground Up  and Parent Advocate and Early Intervention Specialist at Collaborative Corner for Exceptional Children. About Me: Please remember that self-care is more important than ever. It’s not easy but we have to do our best to look after ourselves, especially during these turbulent and uncertain times. Please listen and share with anyone that could benefit. All my information and relevant links are here Sponsors This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30-day trial. This episode is also brought to you by Hero Health. HERO is a smart automatic pill dispenser that dramatically improves medication management and compliance. Learn more at theautismdad.com/hero and use code “theautismdad50” to save $50.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest today is Molly Johnson, otherwise known as The Autism Consultant. She’s here to share some potty training tips and tricks and help us better understand, as well as navigate this toileting journey. Guest Expert: Molly Johnson, The Autism Consultant: Molly Johnson, the founder of The Autism Consultant, initially worked as an autism classroom teacher. Her experience there sparked a deeper interest in supporting parents dealing with autism. - Podcast Launch: In 2020, Molly launched "The Autism Consultant Podcast." This weekly podcast offers practical advice and insights on autism, quickly becoming a favored resource for parents. - Virtual Consulting Services: Following the podcast's success, Molly expanded her reach with virtual consulting services. She assists parents globally, focusing on:  Potty training  Behavior management  Increasing independence - Collaborative Approach: The essence of Molly's consultancy is the emphasis on collaboration with parents. She believes in the synergy of teamwork between consultants and parents. - Membership Program: Through The Autism Consultant Membership, Molly fosters a supportive community, encouraging parents to actively engage and collaborate in their autism care journey. Connect with Molly: https://www.theautismconsultant.us/ https://www.instagram.com/theautismconsultant/ https://www.facebook.com/The-Autism-Consultant-107980800590189 Hosted by Rob Gorski: Rob Gorski, a devoted single father to three incredible autistic sons, is the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. As a multi-award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, and influential social media figure for over a decade, Rob continues to share his family's journey, providing insights, resources, and support to the autism community. Connect with Rob: https://theautismdad.com You can find all past episodes anywhere you get your podcasts. Here are a few options. Apple Podcast Spotify How to listen on your favorite app: Download your favorite app and search for “ The Autism Dad”. Hit the subscribe button to be notified of all new releases. This prevents you from always having to search. Alternatively, you can visit the official website at https://listen.theautismdad.com. Everything is there as well. Today’s Sponsors: All Things Action: All Things Action founded by Matt and his autistic son Noah, is more than just a Marvel-themed store; it's a meaningful project that has helped Noah develop life skills, drawing inspiration from Marvel superheroes like Spider-man and Captain America. The store not only offers a wide range of officially licensed Marvel merchandise, appealing to both casual and dedicated fans, but it also serves as a learning platform for Noah to gain business skills for independence. To celebrate their Grand Opening, AllThingsAction.com is offering a 10% discount storewide, with an additional 10% off using the code "theautismdad" at checkout. Aceing Autism ACEing Autism provides tennis programs for children on the autism spectrum aged 5 to 18, focusing on growth, social skills, and physical fitness. Tailored to individual needs with one-on-one volunteer support, the program includes weekend sessions and offers scholarships for accessibility. It aims to build confidence and social connections, with extended support available beyond age 18. More information can be found at aceingautism.org.

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 importance of meeting children where they are in their developmental process. Key Topics Covered: - Introduction to Meghan Bailey: Meghan shares her story and her son’s late autism diagnosis in 2022. - Grieving Process in Autism Diagnosis: Discussion on how parents may grieve the life they envisioned for their children. - Differences between Autism Shutdowns and Meltdowns: Meghan explains her experiences with her son’s shutdowns as opposed to meltdowns in autism. - Coping Mechanisms and Self-Regulation in Autism: Strategies Meghan employs to help her son manage sensory overload and emotional stress. - Parenting Challenges with Neurodiverse Children: Navigating the tween years and distinguishing between typical developmental behaviors and those influenced by autism. - Parental Advice for Managing Autism: Tips for parents on managing shutdowns and the importance of changing their approach to meet their children’s needs. - Autism Community Support: The value of connecting with other parents for support and validation. Resources Mentioned: - Meghan Bailey on TikTok: @MeghanBailey Connect with Rob Gorski: About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for the last 15 years. Connect with Rob: theautismdad.com Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About AngelSense As the new school year approaches, AngelSense helps parents track their loved ones in real-time, ensuring safe transportation, smooth transitions, and peace of mind. It supports navigation through school breaks, lunches, classroom changes, and after-school activities. The auto-pickup speakerphone allows caregivers to address concerns instantly. This Back to School season, get a free device with every new subscription. Protect your loved ones with AngelSense, making independence and safety achievable. For more information click the link below. Visit AngelSense Learn More: Goally The Goally tablet is focused on fostering independence in kids without the distractions of ads, social media, or potentially harmful content. Unlike Kindle and iPad tablets, Goally's Tablet exclusively features educational apps like Khan Academy, Duolingo ABC, and Starfall, and is entirely controlled by parents. Goally's Kids Calendar helps kids with things like task management. Kids also learn life skills through video classes and pre-made routines, enhancing their independence. For more information, you can visit getgoally.com and use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order. Visit Goally

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-overlooked experiences of neurotypical siblings in autism families. Amanda candidly shares her journey, from the early days of her brother Liam’s diagnosis to how those experiences inspired her to create Eleplan. This groundbreaking platform simplifies caregiving through AI-driven solutions. Together, Rob and Amanda dive deep into family dynamics, sibling responsibilities, and the vital role of technology in caregiving. Key takeaways from this episode include: - Insight into the sibling experience of autism families. - The emotional challenges faced by caregivers and siblings alike. - How Eleplan leverages AI to streamline caregiving and enhance family support. Whether you're a parent, sibling, or caregiver, this episode offers validation, practical tools, and inspiration for your own journey. About the Host: Rob Gorski, *The Autism Dad*, is a trusted advocate for families raising autistic children. As a father to three autistic sons, Rob has dedicated his life to providing support, education, and validation to parents navigating similar paths. Through his award-winning blog, podcast, and social media platforms, Rob continues to be a guiding voice in the autism community. About the Guest: Amanda Lukof is the CEO and co-founder of Eleplan, a digital care planning platform designed to simplify caregiving for families of neurodiverse individuals. As the older sister to Liam, a 27-year-old with autism, Amanda draws from her personal experiences to advocate for better caregiving tools and resources. Her work empowers families to navigate caregiving with compassion, efficiency, and a touch of technology. Key Resources and Links: - Learn more about Eleplan: eleplan.com - Connect with Amanda Lukof on LinkedIn: Amanda Lukof - Explore Rob’s resources for parents: The Autism Dad - Special Offer: Enjoy 3 months of Eleplan for free with the code provided in this episode! Listener Action Steps: - Subscribe to *The Autism Dad Podcast* on your favorite podcast platform. - Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. - Share this episode with friends or family who may benefit. - Visit eleplan.com to explore how Eleplan can support your caregiving journey. This Week's Sponsors: Circle Care Services Circle Care Services offers personalized ABA therapy for children with autism in New Jersey and Georgia, providing support at home, in daycares, or clinics. Their skilled team partners with parents to build confidence and unlock each child’s potential. Visit circlecareservices.com or call (877) 460-1104. Autism 360 Autism 360 is a neuro-affirming app for parents of autistic children, offering 24/7 expert guidance, personalized plans, and practical support for daily challenges. Trusted by thousands, it provides affordable, real-time help. Use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% Autism 360 Learn More: Mightier Mightier helps kids self-regulate emotionally through biofeedback-based video games. Learn more and get a discount at Visit Mightier. Use code “theautismdad22” to save 10%.

Today I spoke with Gavin, my 23 year old autistic son about his journey towards independence in 2023 and what he hopes for in 2024. The conversation didn’t go as planned and Gavin opens up about some very personal struggles that he’s recently overcome. Some I was aware of and others I wasn’t. He also shares his big plans for furthering his independence in 2024 and then drops a massive bomb about one of his new goals. This is such an inspiring conversation. I’m so proud of him. Hosted by Rob Gorski: Rob Gorski, a devoted single father to three incredible autistic sons, is the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. As a multi-award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, and influential social media figure for over a decade, Rob continues to share his family's journey, providing insights, resources, and support to the autism community. Connect with Rob: https://theautismdad.com You can find all past episodes anywhere you get your podcasts. Here are a few options. Apple Podcast Spotify How to listen on your favorite app: Download your favorite app and search for “ The Autism Dad”. Hit the subscribe button to be notified of all new releases. This prevents you from always having to search. Alternatively, you can visit the official website at https://listen.theautismdad.com. Everything is there as well. Today’s Sponsors: Aceing Autism ACEing Autism provides tennis programs for children on the autism spectrum aged 5 to 18, focusing on growth, social skills, and physical fitness. Tailored to individual needs with one-on-one volunteer support, the program includes weekend sessions and offers scholarships for accessibility. It aims to build confidence and social connections, with extended support available beyond age 18. More information can be found at aceingautism.org. Learn More About Mightier Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to self-regulate emotionally. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier. Read My Mightier Review and the code “theautismdad22” to save 10% off your order.

Dive into a heartwarming and eye-opening chat as I reconnect with my 15-year-old autistic son, Emmett, to unpack last week's emotional rollercoaster of an episode. Join us in a soul-searching journey as we discuss the public's reaction and explore my struggles as I emotionally try to grasp what Emmett experienced while he was nonspeaking. Find out how this candid conversation helps us find a sense of peace—and how it just might help you find yours too. Don't miss this transformative episode! Check out last week’s viral episode “Before He Could Speak” About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://theautismdad.com Mentioned in this episode: Quiet Mind: Introducing The Original Weighted Pillow by Quiet Mind, an innovative tool for easing anxiety, stress, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder symptoms. This compact alternative to weighted blankets is created by Mikey Goldman, who himself deals with ADHD and anxiety. It's a portable companion, providing an instant calming effect. Unlike large weighted blankets, this soft, easy-to-move pillow won't make you too hot or claustrophobic. Using Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS), it offers the benefits of weighted blankets in a smaller, portable format, ideal for children with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorder. Consider it a stress ball for your body - hold it, hug it, and let your mind relax. For more information, visit onequietmind.com and use the code “theautismdad” at checkout to save 15% Goally: Goally is a comprehensive app, serving as a digital scheduler, AAC speaker, and token board system. Designed for unique thinkers like autistic and ADHD kids, it helps them master daily routines and therapy without parental reminders, reducing nagging and promoting self-management. Goally can be used on your child's device or an affordable, dedicated device, which we've found more effective in our home. For more information, you can visit getgoally.com and use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order.

Because there’s so many new listeners and this was such an inspiring episode, I’m rereleasing it so more people can connect with it. :-) In today's very special episode, I'm sitting down with my 15-year-old autistic son, Emmett, for a truly unique conversation. For the first time, Emmett opens up about his experience of being non-verbal for the first 4.5 years of his life. This intimate discussion gives us a rare insight into the world of non-verbal autism, helping to challenge stereotypes and deepen understanding. You won't want to miss this emotional and enlightening episode that aims to inspire and educate. About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://theautismdad.link Mentioned in this episode: Mentioned in this episode: Learn More: Goally The Goally tablet is focused on fostering independence in kids without the distractions of ads, social media, or potentially harmful content. Unlike Kindle and iPad tablets, Goally's Tablet exclusively features educational apps like Khan Academy, Duolingo ABC, and Starfall, and is entirely controlled by parents. Goally's Kids Calendar helps kids with things like task management. Kids also learn life skills through video classes and pre-made routines, enhancing their independence. For more information, you can visit getgoally.com and use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order. Visit Goally

We have never experienced anything like COVID-19 in our lifetime and people are scared, myself included. Many of us are dealing with high levels of acute stress, irritability, and sleep disruption. My guest today is Laurie Nadel, Ph.D. Dr. Laurie is a very well-known author, psychotherapist, disaster stress expert and is considered a thought leader in the emerging field of acute stress and PTSD. Dr. Laurie has been a guest on Oprah, CNN, Coast to Coast AM with Art Bell and George Noory, and numerous TV and radio shows in the U.S. and Europe. She has been interviewed about her work with PTSD populations in such major news media as the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Newsday, Reuters News Service, and other publications around the world. Dr. Laurie, is uniquely qualified to help us find the calm amid the crisis; she helped first responders after 9/11 and teens who lost fathers in the Twin Towers, as well as teachers and students in the aftermath of the Parkland school shooting. Her book, The Five Gifts, is like an emergency ‘Go-Kit’ for the mind that minimizes and prevents long-term damage from traumatic events. Dr. Laurie and I talk about how COVID19 is impacting people emotionally and what we can do to help ourselves and each other get through this. Dr. Laurie in my view is a hero. As a former fire/medic, I’m so thankful for the work she has done and continues to do for our heroic first responders. You can find Laurie Nadel, Ph.D: https://www.laurienadel.com/ In the media: http://www.laurienadel.com/inmedia.html Get her book, The Five Gifts: https://www.amazon.com/Five-Gifts-Discovering-Strength-Disaster/dp/0757320449 Check out our Support This Podcast You can find me: theautismdad.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/theautismdad IMPORTANT COVID19 INFORMATION I wanted to provide you with a list of reliable sources for information regarding COVID19. Facts, science medicine, and accurate, truthful information matter now more than ever. These are some of the people and medical facilities that I trust and rely on for information about this pandemic. Please give them a follow. Dr. Tara C. Smith Professor, infectious disease epidemiologist Twitter: twitter.com/aetiology Website: aracsmith.com Cleveland Clinic Twitter: twitter.com/clevelandclinic Website: clevelandclinic.org Mayo Clinic Twitter:twitter.com/mayoclinic Website: mayoclinic.org CDC Twitter: twitter.com/cdcgov Website: cdc.gov This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30-day trial. This episode is brought to you by AngelSense. Wandering is a huge problem in the Autism community and it’s reached epidemic levels. AngelSense is working to save the lives of Autistic kids who wander, by empowering parents with GPS tracking tools that help them to immediately intervene should an episode of elopement occur. Visit angelsense.com for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sensory eating is something so many autism families struggle with on a daily basis, mine included. My guest this week is Brittyn Coleman, aka The Autism Dietitian. Brittyn is one of only a handful of dietitians across the country specializing in autistic kids. She’s here to help us better understand what sensory eating is and how it differs from picky eating. We also talk about how we can help ensure proper nutrition in our kids, and expand their menus in creative ways. About Brittyn Coleman: Brittyn grew up with an autistic brother. She majored in Nutritional Sciences and became a board certified Registered Dietitian and went on to obtain her Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences and specialize in autism spectrum disorders. Her master’s thesis was a study connecting food aversions and nutrient intake in kids with ASD. Before starting her private practice, she worked in interdisciplinary clinics and centers for kids with a wide variety of developmental disabilities, but her heart always stayed with ASD. EDUCATION Master of Science (MS) in Nutritional Sciences; University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nutritional Sciences; University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities (LEND) Fellow CREDENTIALS Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) by the Commission on Dietetic Registration Certified LEAP Therapist (CLT) by Oxford Biomedical Technologies Licensed Dietitian (LD) Connect with Brittyn Coleman Instagram Facebook Website About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com.

My guest today is Dolly Lowery. Dolly is the CEO and Founder of a company called Kinuu. She's here to talk about their program called BrainyAct and how it's literally changing the lives of autistic kiddos and adults. This is a perfect example of technology being used to improve quality of life. This is so cool and I can't wait for you to hear this. I love bringing information to you that can help or at least inform you as to things that are currently available to help your family. ☺ ♥ About Dolly: As an entrepreneur and hard worker, my underlying passion is to look for ways to make the world a better place. I had a successful 20+ career selling software and services in the US and Europe. After losing two siblings to brain cancer, I co-founded and launched Gilda’s Club Twin Cities, a place for families living with Cancer. As a Mom of three kids, I became familiar with the growing epidemic of neurological based learning challenges, such as ADHD and Dyslexia. With over 1200 clinic visits, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to juggle demanding schedules and I was determined to find a way for families to have a program that was effective, affordable and convenient. After years of research combined with my background in technology, I assembled a team with the perfect combination of heart and experience to launch Kinuu. Together we will restore hope for families so that every child can achieve beyond what they dreamed possible and to truly believe in themselves. Learn more about BrainyAct and get information to provide your school or local community center: Kinuu.com Check out these short videos: https://vimeo.com/kinuu/brainyact3moms https://vimeo.com/kinuu/sciencebehindbrainyact You can find me at theautismdad.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Shelley Kenow I know how frustrating and scary and overwhelming IEP meetings can be. I want to connect you with my friend, Shelly Keno. She is an IEP coach with over 30 years of experience in special education. IEP meetings don't have to be scary. It's so important that we empower ourselves with knowledge and insights so that we can better navigate these difficult situations and work together with the school for the betterment of our kids. So if you're interested in learning about what Shelley does visit shelleykenow.com, and use the code, "theautismdad" to save $7 off of an IEP review. Visit Shelley Kenow Learn More About Mightier Mightier is a clinically proven mobile gaming app that was developed at Boston Children’s Hospital. It’s already helped more than 100,000 kids, including my crew here at home. Kids play on a tablet or a phone while wearing a heart rate monitor. And Mightier incorporates breathing exercises and other calming techniques as part of the game. Kids get to see when it’s time to cool down and learn how to do it themselves. And parents get to track their progress. Visit mightier.com and use the promo code "theautismdad22" at checkout to save 10%. Visit Mightier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode, I sat down with my amazing girlfriend Kelly, and we answer your submitted questions about autism, parenting, and dating when you’re a special needs parent. Kelly and I are both autism parents and we share our experience navigating our parenting journey. We talk about dealing with school related challenges, picking battles, maintaining a relationship while raising autistic kids, and even navigating differences in the way we parent. This was so fun to record and it’s so relatable. You have been asking for us to do this for a while and the wait is over. Let us know what we should talk about next. :-) Hosted by Rob Gorski: Rob Gorski, a devoted single father to three incredible autistic sons, is the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. As a multi-award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, and influential social media figure for over a decade, Rob continues to share his family's journey, providing insights, resources, and support to the autism community. Connect with Rob: https://theautismdad.com You can find all past episodes anywhere you get your podcasts. Here are a few options. Apple Podcast Spotify How to listen on your favorite app: Download your favorite app and search for “ The Autism Dad”. Hit the subscribe button to be notified of all new releases. This prevents you from always having to search. Alternatively, you can visit the official website at https://listen.theautismdad.com. Everything is there as well. Today’s Sponsors: Hibi Health Hibi is an app designed to help families manage the care of children with additional needs. It integrates health, education, and social care information in one platform, offering tools for personalized care management and collaborative sharing with family, friends, and professionals. Developed through extensive family collaboration, Hibi aims to reduce the overwhelm and isolation of caregiving. It's free to download and try out on Android and iOS, with more information available at hibi.health. Kinjo: Elevate Roblox gaming with Kinjo's educational spin, blending fun with learning. Enjoy a 10% discount on Kinjo Plus with code “theautismdad” at https://theautismdad.com/Kinjo. Join us as we explore the nuances of non-speaking autism and empower ourselves with the knowledge to foster a more inclusive and understanding environment for all.

In this weeks episode, I take some time to answer one of your listener questions. Since I began talking about the challenges I’ve been facing as I help my son make the transition into his adult life, you folks have been asking me “How do I prepare my kids for adulthood and when should I start?” This is such a good question and honestly, I had a tough time recording this episode because in doing so, I recognized some mistakes I’ve made as a parent. Those mistakes have made preparing my kids for adulthood, a bit more challenging. These realizations were a bitter pill to swallow for me but at the same time, I’m hoping you can learn from my mistakes. This turned into a great episode and I hope it helps. Please be sure to share this with the special needs parents in your life because we can all learn from my parenting mistakes. :-) Please keep the questions coming. You can submit your listener questions here. About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com. Featured in this week’s episode: Goally Goally is a digital visual scheduler, AAC talker, token board system, and more all rolled into one easy-to-use app. It's made for unique thinkers like autistic kids and kids with ADHD. Kids together with Goally can conquer daily routines and therapy practice without prompting from mom or dad. This reduces that feeling of nagging your kids, and it also grants your kids some autonomy to sort of manage their own lives. Goally can easily be used on your child's existing device or with Goally's optional and affordable, dedicated device. In my house, we found that the dedicated device seems to work better for my son, so that's what we use. For more information, you can visit getgoally.com and use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order.

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 psychologist and certified school psychologist with extensive experience working with neurodivergent children and their families. Together, we explore the unique challenges of co-parenting neurodivergent kids, the importance of routine and consistency, and strategies to help families navigate transitions with less trauma and more stability. This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Next week, we’ll be answering your questions about co-parenting and divorce in neurodivergent families. Key Topics in This Episode • The impact of divorce on neurodivergent kids and why their experience may differ from neurotypical children • Common co-parenting challenges and why different parenting styles become more apparent post-separation • Why consistency is key and how small differences like bedtime routines can create stress • Setting expectations while balancing empathy and structure • Why parents often overcompensate out of guilt and how this can backfire • The importance of self-care for parents and why you need to take care of yourself to be the best parent possible Guest Bio Dr. Mikki Lee is a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist based in New York City. She specializes in working with neurodivergent children and their families, offering psychological testing and therapy to help support children with autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. Learn more about Dr. Mikki Lee at DrMikkiLee.com. Resources & Links • Learn more about Dr. Mikki Lee: DrMikkiLee.com • Visit The Autism Dad website for more resources: TheAutismDad.com • Follow me on Instagram: Instagram.com/TheAutismDad • Like my page on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheAutismDad • Join my private parent support group: TheAutismDad.com/Support Listen & Subscribe • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-autism-dad/id1450723980 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Kl8mzCI7sYHzLNVhmRWTo?si=-J4WsX96Sx20HKtBxl3fuQ • Official Podcast Website: https://listen.theautismdad.com Next Week: In Part 2, we’ll be answering listener questions about co-parenting, communication struggles, legal considerations, and helping kids through the transition. Stay tuned. This weeks sponsors: If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with anyone who might benefit. Your support helps bring more resources to families like yours. A big thank you to our sponsors for their support: Safe Place Bedding: Visit safeplacebedding.com/theautismdad to give your child the gift of better sleep. @safeplacebedding @SafePlaceBedding The Unbreakable Boy: This inspiring film hits theaters on February 21st! Get your tickets now at https://tickets.theunbreakableboy.movie @theunbreakableboymovie @theunbreakableboymovie Mightier: Mightier helps kids self-regulate emotionally through biofeedback-based video games. Learn more at https://www.mightier.com/. Use code "theautismdad22" to save 10%. @mightierapp @mightierapp

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" with Dr. Whitney Casares: theautismdad.link. Guest Expert: Emmett Gorski is a 15-year-old autistic advocate and the son of Rob Gorski, the influential blogger and podcast host behind "The Autism Dad." Passionate about raising awareness and understanding of autism, Emmett brings a unique, firsthand perspective to the conversation. Articulate and insightful, he has been featured on "The Autism Dad" podcast, where he discusses topics ranging from identity-first language to the daily challenges and triumphs of being autistic. With a keen interest in technology and a natural ability to connect with people, Emmett is not only a voice for autistic teens but also an inspiration for families navigating the complexities of autism. Hosted by Rob Gorski: Rob Gorski, a devoted single father to three incredible autistic sons, is the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. As a multi-award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, and influential social media figure for over a decade, Rob continues to share his family's journey, providing insights, resources, and support to the autism community. Connect with Rob by visiting theautismdad.link Mentioned in this episode: Learn More: Goally The Goally tablet is focused on fostering independence in kids without the distractions of ads, social media, or potentially harmful content. Unlike Kindle and iPad tablets, Goally's Tablet exclusively features educational apps like Khan Academy, Duolingo ABC, and Starfall, and is entirely controlled by parents. Goally's Kids Calendar helps kids with things like task management. Kids also learn life skills through video classes and pre-made routines, enhancing their independence. For more information, you can visit getgoally.com and use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order. Visit Goally Learn More About Tranquil Path Financial Planning Britta Kepf is a dedicated special needs financial planner at Tranquil Path Financial Planning, offering unbiased, tailored advice for families across the U.S. She specializes in retirement and special needs financial planning, helping families navigate government benefits and long-term needs with clarity and peace of mind. For compassionate, personalized financial guidance, contact Britta Kepf at tranquilfp.com. Visit Tranquil Path Financial Planning

(S2E4) In this episode, I have a conversation with Dr. John Kruse, MD, PhD about all things ADHD, including his brand new book titled "Recognizing Adult ADHD: What Donald Trump Can Teach Us About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder." Dr. Kruse has 25 years of psychiatric experience and specializes in treating adults with ADHD, that's right, adults. I talk with him about his new book and he debunks some of the most common myths surrounding ADHD. Learn the facts about what ADHD is and how it can seriously impact a person's life, and why he believes Donald Trump has it, you need to listen to this episode.  You can find Dr. Kruse: Website: https://www.drjohnkruse.com/ (https://www.drjohnkruse.com/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.kruse.7583 (https://www.facebook.com/john.kruse.7583) Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrJohnKruse (https://twitter.com/DrJohnKruse) You can grab his book on https://www.amazon.com/Recognizing-Adult-ADHD-Attention-Hyperactivity/dp/1949642224/ (Amazon), https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/recognizing-adult-adhd-m-d-ph-d-kruse-john/1132594536 (Barnes & Noble), https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/47358331-recognizing-adult-adhd (Goodreads) http://bit.ly/2ZPjjAx (Support This Podcast) You can find me: https://my.captivate.fm/theautismdad.com (theautismdad.com) Twitter: https://twitter.com/theautismdad (https://twitter.com/theautismdad) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: BrainyAct BrainyAct® provides tech-enabled, patent-pending therapy programs delivered via gamification for neurological disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and ADHD. BrainyAct activates the underdeveloped areas of the brain through exercises that strategically target a child’s balance, gravity, gross/fine motor, rhythm and timing, visual motor perception, and memory. Putting hope in motion means putting your family first in everything we do and using movement to affect real change. Shifting hope to a reality. 91% of families report global brain improvements after four months. Our company was built on the premise to create real, measurable, and visible change that shows you how your child is improving through data. BrainyAct is for homes and schools. Visit Kinuu.com. Use promo code THEAUTISMDAD and save $500. This is a limited time offer. Visit BrainyAct Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this shorter episode, I discuss a major milestone we’ve reached, 30 days on total lockdown. I share how I’m managing a seriously delicate medication situation with my oldest. I talk about how we’re doing and the struggles I’m facing as a single Dad during the worst pandemic in a century. Please remember that self-care is more important than ever. It’s not easy but we have to do our best to look after ourselves, especially during these turbulent and uncertain times. Support This Podcast You can find me: theautismdad.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/theautismdad This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30 day trial. This episode is brought to you by AngelSense. Wandering is a huge problem in the Autism community and it’s reached epidemic levels. AngelSense is working to save the lives of Autistic kids who wander, by empowering parents with GPS tracking tools that helps them to immediately intervene should an episode of elopement occur. Visit angelsense.com for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: BrainyAct BrainyAct® provides tech-enabled, patent-pending therapy programs delivered via gamification for neurological disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and ADHD. BrainyAct activates the underdeveloped areas of the brain through exercises that strategically target a child’s balance, gravity, gross/fine motor, rhythm and timing, visual motor perception, and memory. Putting hope in motion means putting your family first in everything we do and using movement to affect real change. Shifting hope to a reality. 91% of families report global brain improvements after four months. Our company was built on the premise to create real, measurable, and visible change that shows you how your child is improving through data. BrainyAct is for homes and schools. Visit Kinuu.com. Use promo code THEAUTISMDAD and save $500. This is a limited time offer. Visit BrainyAct Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's an update on how my Autism and Special Needs family is managing on lockdown during the COVID19 pandemic. I wanted to provide you with a list of reliable sources for information regarding COVID19. Facts, science medicine and accurate, truthful information matter now more than ever. These are a few of the people and places I trust. These are some of the people and medical facilities that I trust and rely on for information about this pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders BrainyAct BrainyAct® provides tech-enabled, patent-pending therapy programs delivered via gamification for neurological disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and ADHD. BrainyAct activates the underdeveloped areas of the brain through exercises that strategically target a child’s balance, gravity, gross/fine motor, rhythm and timing, visual motor perception, and memory. Putting hope in motion means putting your family first in everything we do and using movement to affect real change. Shifting hope to a reality. 91% of families report global brain improvements after four months. Our company was built on the premise to create real, measurable, and visible change that shows you how your child is improving through data. BrainyAct is for homes and schools. Visit Kinuu.com. Use promo code THEAUTISMDAD and save $500. This is a limited time offer. Visit BrainyAct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we welcome Marc Jason from "Daily Autism" as he shares his poignant journey as an Autism Dad. Dive deep into the challenges, joys, and lessons learned from raising a child with autism. A heartfelt conversation not to be missed. About Marc Jason: With over 20 years of experience in the radio industry, I have developed a passion for creating content that engages, entertains, and educates audiences. I have interviewed hundreds of celebrities, hosted award-winning shows, and partnered with leading brands to deliver innovative and impactful media solutions. After my son Cal was diagnosed with Autism in 2020, I founded DailyAutism.com, a media platform that provides information, resources, and support for people with autism and their families. My mission is to raise awareness, and empower parents of autism through online and offline channels. I use my new media skills to produce podcasts, host a radio show, create social videos, blogs, books and social media content that reach millions of people every year. I also collaborate with experts, organizations, and influencers to amplify the voice and vision of the parents and entrepreneurs of autism. Connect with Marc Jason: https://linktr.ee/dailyautism  About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://theautismdad.com Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Mightier: Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to self-regulate emotionally. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier. Read My Mightier Review and the code “theautismdad22” to save 10% off your order. Goally: Goally is a comprehensive app, serving as a digital scheduler, AAC speaker, and token board system. Designed for unique thinkers like autistic and ADHD kids, it helps them master daily routines and therapy without parental reminders, reducing nagging and promoting self-management. Goally can be used on your child's device or an affordable, dedicated device, which we've found more effective in our home. For more information, you can visit getgoally.com and use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order.

I speak with Risa Stein, Ph.D., MA in this parenting resource episode. Risa is a mother to a neurodivergent son and a Clinical Psychologist. She's also the Founder and CEO of SeeInMe. SeeInMe is an NFC-based technology that helps caregivers, teachers, providers, and self-advocates. Guest Bio: Risa Stein PhD, MD is a clinical psychologist, mother to a neurodivergent son, and granddaughter to a (now deceased) Alzheimer’s sufferer. She has struggled with entrusting her loved ones to the care of someone who does not and cannot easily get to know them. She created SeeInMe to address this problem. Connect with Risa: seeinme.com Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys as well as Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Shelley Kenow I know how frustrating and scary and overwhelming IEP meetings can be. I want to connect you with my friend, Shelly Keno. She is an IEP coach with over 30 years of experience in special education. IEP meetings don't have to be scary. It's so important that we empower ourselves with knowledge and insights so that we can better navigate these difficult situations and work together with the school for the betterment of our kids. So if you're interested in learning about what Shelley does visit shelleykenow.com, and use the code, "theautismdad" to save $7 off of an IEP review. Visit Shelley Kenow Learn More About Mightier Mightier is a clinically proven mobile gaming app that was developed at Boston Children’s Hospital. It’s already helped more than 100,000 kids, including my crew here at home. Kids play on a tablet or a phone while wearing a heart rate monitor. And Mightier incorporates breathing exercises and other calming techniques as part of the game. Kids get to see when it’s time to cool down and learn how to do it themselves. And parents get to track their progress. Visit mightier.com and use the promo code "theautismdad22" at checkout to save 10%. Visit Mightier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This was a really challenging episode for me to edit for a couple of reasons and I’ll explain in a minute. My guest is Dennis Procopio, founder of Man-Up! Life Coaching, and fellow autism Dad. He’s here as a resource for men and helps them to become the best version of themselves. This episode didn’t go as planned but that’s okay. The whole point was to highlight what Dennis is doing because whether or not we like to admit it, men need help sometimes. What ended up happening is that Dennis turned the interview around on me and we sorta dug into my life. It was a rather profound experience for me on a personal level. The struggle with editing this was that I shared a bit more than I have before, at least publically. It made me feel incredibly vulnerable, which is okay, but I wasn’t sure what I was comfortable leaving in. As embarrassing as some of these things were to admit, I left everything in because I feel like I shouldn’t be ashamed and Dennis really helped me to reframe some of these things. My hope is that someone out there benefits from this. Bottom line is that guys have feelings too. Our feelings matter and we need to become more comfortable talking about them. There’s no shame in being human guys. About Dennis Procopio: https://manuplifecoaching.com/ All my information and relevant links are here Support this podcast: venmo.com/theautismdad Additional resources:  -Exploring healthy meals? Use the Sunbasket Promo Code  -Why food choices matter when it comes to autism -The science is in! Healthy food can make you happy Sponsors This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information. This episode is also brought to you by Hero Health. HERO is a smart automatic pill dispenser that dramatically improves medication management and compliance. Learn more at theautismdad.com/hero and use code “theautismdad50” to save $50.  CONTACT ME Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Autism Dad podcast, I'm Rob Gorski. This show is inspired by my own personal journey as a single dad raising three autistic kids. It's all about special needs parenting, the challenges that we face every day, and some of the things we have to learn to navigate along the way. This season, we're going to put a major focus on empowering parents. We're going to talk about building a community of support around your family, the importance of self-care, and connecting with the services and resources that are vital when it comes to raising a special needs child. So be sure to check us out at listen.theautismdad.com and subscribe on your favorite podcast listening app. 

On this week's episode of the Autism Dad Podcast, join us as we dive into an honest and emotional conversation with Alicia Golichowski, a single mom navigating the challenges of raising an autistic child. Alicia's raw transparency offers comfort to those in similar situations, reminding them they're not alone. Sharing these stories is crucial to our community, so tune in for an inspiring interview that promises to resonate with many. About Alicia Golichowski: Alicia Golichowski is a single stay-at-home mom of four. She has two boys aged 7 months and two girls aged 13 and 12. However, her daughters reside in NC during the school year with their father, Alicia's ex-husband. She has sole custody of the boys. Parker, who is seven, was diagnosed with autism around the age of 3, and it's been quite the journey for them. About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://theautismdad.com Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Mightier: Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to self-regulate emotionally. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier. Read My Mightier Review and the code “theautismdad22” to save 10% off your order. Goally: Goally is a comprehensive app, serving as a digital scheduler, AAC speaker, and token board system. Designed for unique thinkers like autistic and ADHD kids, it helps them master daily routines and therapy without parental reminders, reducing nagging and promoting self-management. Goally can be used on your child's device or an affordable, dedicated device, which we've found more effective in our home. For more information, you can visit getgoally.com and use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order.

(S2E5) This week Melissa Hruza, Director of Marketing and Corporate Sponsorships at adoptaclassroom.org stopped by to discuss how they are helping teachers and students all over the country, find the funding they need. So many teachers have to pay for classroom necessities out of their own pocket and that's simply unacceptable. Adoptaclassroom.org is a national, award-winning nonprofit that provides the most flexible and accountable funding for K-12 teachers and schools throughout the U.S. Their proprietary, easy-to-use education fundraising platform helps teachers, principals, and administrators give every child the tools they deserve to succeed in school. Since 1998, they have raised more than $36 million and supported 4.5 million students. As a 501(c)(3) organization, they hold a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. In other words, they are doing amazing things for our teachers and students. For more information, or to make a donation, please visit adoptaclassroom.org. http://bit.ly/2ZPjjAx (Support This Podcast) You can find me: https://my.captivate.fm/theautismdad.com (theautismdad.com) Twitter: https://twitter.com/theautismdad (https://twitter.com/theautismdad) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders BrainyAct BrainyAct® provides tech-enabled, patent-pending therapy programs delivered via gamification for neurological disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and ADHD. BrainyAct activates the underdeveloped areas of the brain through exercises that strategically target a child’s balance, gravity, gross/fine motor, rhythm and timing, visual motor perception, and memory. Putting hope in motion means putting your family first in everything we do and using movement to affect real change. Shifting hope to a reality. 91% of families report global brain improvements after four months. Our company was built on the premise to create real, measurable, and visible change that shows you how your child is improving through data. BrainyAct is for homes and schools. Visit Kinuu.com. Use promo code THEAUTISMDAD and save $500. This is a limited time offer. Visit BrainyAct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's Listener Question is about how to deal with an unsupportive family member or a family member that doesn't understand or accept your child's autism diagnosis. I hope this helps, and please continue to send your questions. Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Goally As parents, it sometimes feels like we are constantly nagging our kids to work on their daily living routines. Things like hygiene and bedtime, and homework can be so challenging. We know our kids need to learn this stuff, especially as they move towards independence, but sometimes there's just not enough time in a day. Parenting is tough. Trying to balance everything when it comes to raising kids is not easy, and sometimes as parents, we could use a little help. Enter Goally. Goally is a digital visual scheduler, AAC talker, token board system, and more all rolled into one easy-to-use app. It's made for unique thinkers like autistic kids and kids with ADHD. Kids together with Goally can conquer daily routines and therapy practice without prompting from mom or dad. This reduces that feeling of nagging your kids, and it also grants your kids some autonomy to sort of manage their own lives. Goally can easily be used on your child's existing device or with Goally's optional and affordable, dedicated device. In my house, we found that the dedicated device seems to work better for my son, so that's what we use. For more information, you can visit getgoally.com. That's g-e-t-g-o-a-l-l-y.com; and use the code “theautismdad” and save 10% off your order. Visit Goally Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I open up about how I’m managing my depression while I’m on total lockdown with my 3 Autistic kids. Those of us who live with mental health issues may find ourselves struggling more because of all that’s going on around us. I hope that my experience can help someone else. Please remember that self-care is more important than ever. It’s not easy but we have to do our best to look after ourselves, especially during these turbulent and uncertain times. Please listen and share it with anyone that could benefit. IMPORTANT INFORMATION I wanted to provide you with a list of reliable sources for information regarding COVID19. Facts, science medicine and accurate, truthful information matter now more than ever. These are some of the people and medical facilities that I trust and rely on for information about this pandemic. Please give them a follow. Dr. Tara C. Smith Professor, infectious disease epidemiologist Twitter: twitter.com/aetiology Website: aracsmith.com Cleveland Clinic Twitter: twitter.com/clevelandclinic Website: clevelandclinic.org Mayo Clinic Twitter:twitter.com/mayoclinic Website: mayoclinic.org CDC Twitter: twitter.com/cdcgov Website: cdc.gov Support This Podcast You can find me: theautismdad.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/theautismdad This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30 day trial. This episode is brought to you by AngelSense. Wandering is a huge problem in the Autism community and it’s reached epidemic levels. AngelSense is working to save the lives of Autistic kids who wander, by empowering parents with GPS tracking tools that helps them to immediately intervene should an episode of elopement occur. Visit angelsense.com for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders BrainyAct BrainyAct® provides tech-enabled, patent-pending therapy programs delivered via gamification for neurological disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and ADHD. BrainyAct activates the underdeveloped areas of the brain through exercises that strategically target a child’s balance, gravity, gross/fine motor, rhythm and timing, visual motor perception, and memory. Putting hope in motion means putting your family first in everything we do and using movement to affect real change. Shifting hope to a reality. 91% of families report global brain improvements after four months. Our company was built on the premise to create real, measurable, and visible change that shows you how your child is improving through data. BrainyAct is for homes and schools. Visit Kinuu.com. Use promo code THEAUTISMDAD and save $500. This is a limited time offer. Visit BrainyAct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this insightful episode of "The Autism Dad" podcast, Rob Gorski and his 15-year-old son, Emmett, delve into the hotly debated topic of Person-First vs. Identity-First Language in the autism community. Offering unique perspectives as a parent of three autistic children and an autistic teen, they explore the emotional and societal implications of the words we choose to describe autism. Tune in to discover how language shapes our understanding and why it matters. Guest Expert: Emmett Gorski Emmett Gorski is a 15-year-old autistic advocate and the son of Rob Gorski, the influential blogger and podcast host behind "The Autism Dad." Passionate about raising awareness and understanding of autism, Emmett brings a unique, firsthand perspective to the conversation. Articulate and insightful, he has been featured on "The Autism Dad" podcast, where he discusses topics ranging from identity-first language to the daily challenges and triumphs of being autistic. With a keen interest in technology and a natural ability to connect with people, Emmett is not only a voice for autistic teens but also an inspiration for families navigating the complexities of autism. Hosted by Rob Gorski: Rob Gorski, a devoted single father to three incredible autistic sons, is the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. As a multi-award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, and influential social media figure for over a decade, Rob continues to share his family's journey, providing insights, resources, and support to the autism community. Connect with Rob: https://theautismdad.com You can find all past episodes anywhere you get your podcasts. Here are a few options. Apple Podcast Spotify How to listen on your favorite app: Download your favorite app and search for “ The Autism Dad”. Hit the subscribe button to be notified of all new releases. This prevents you from always having to search. Alternatively, you can visit the official website at https://listen.theautismdad.com. Everything is there as well. Today’s Sponsors: Goally: Goally is a comprehensive app, serving as a digital scheduler, AAC speaker, and token board system. Designed for unique thinkers like autistic and ADHD kids, it helps them master daily routines and therapy without parental reminders, reducing nagging and promoting self-management. Goally can be used on your child's device or an affordable, dedicated device, which we've found more effective in our home. For more information, you can visit getgoally.com and use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order.

On this weeks episode, I sat down with Tara Reynolds from Peace, Love, Autism and Lauren Flack from the Channing’s Joy Foundation. Both are autism moms and both are amazing human beings. We had a conversation about their parenting journey. It’s emotional, hilarious and inspirational. About Tara Reynolds: A dedicated advocate and entrepreneur whose life took a profound turn when her son was diagnosed with autism at 18 months old. Seeking connection and a glimpse into other mothers' experiences, she turned to social media but found herself wanting. Determined to create a supportive community, she embarked on her own journey, documenting it and becoming a source of solace for fellow special needs moms. This led to the birth of Peace Love Autism, an online shop offering stylish products and designs that spread acceptance, awareness, and love throughout the year. Through her work, she aims to create a space where individuals feel seen, understood, and empowered. https://www.peaceloveautism.com/ @peace_love_autism About Lauren Flack: Lauren Flack is founder of The Channing's Joy Foundation, where she is dedicated to promoting inclusion and acceptance of autism and all individuals with special needs. Her son Channing was diagnosed in 2018. Channing’s Joy @channingsjoy @laurensflack About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com. Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About The Hoglet The Hoglet by Hedgehog Health is one of the coolest sensory tools I’ve seen in a long time. My youngest absolutely loves his Hoglet. The Hoglet was created by a Special Education teacher to appeal to autistic people, people with ADHD, and other sensory-seeking learners, as well as people who just love to fidget. The Hoglet is a plug-and-play wireless computer mouse with a specially-made silicone cover. The Hoglet is covered in tiny nubs, kind of mimicking the look of well, a Hedgehog. The cover provides satisfying tactile sensory input which many sensory seekers benefit from. It’s perfect for classrooms, computer labs, working from home, or just bringing color and fidget fun to cubicles everywhere. The Hoglet is made of food-grade silicone. It’s durable, super easy to clean, fun to use, and comes in 5 vibrant colors. For more information, visit Amazon and search for "Hoglet computer mouse" of click here. Use the promo code “autismdad1” and you’ll also get two free Hoglet fidget keychains. That’s a $15 value, absolutely free.  Learn More About Mightier Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to self-regulate emotionally. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier. Read My Mightier Review and the code “theautismdad22” to save 10% off your order.

My guest today is Paul Cimins. Paul is an autism Dad, Founder of Autism Radio, and host of the Hope Saves The Day Podcast. We have a conversation about his parenting journey, how raising his amazing autistic son impacted him, and changed the course of his life. Guest Bio: Paul Cimins is the father of an autistic child, host of the Hope Saves The Day Podcast, and is the CEO and founder of Autism Radio™. Started in 2007, Autism Radio™ is dedicated to raising public awareness about autism, as well as helping individuals, and families, within the autism. Their mission is to provide physical, emotional, and financial support to families in need within the autism community. Connect with Paul Cimins: Autism Radio Hope Saves The Day Podcast Listen to Paul interview me Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys as well as Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Mightier Mightier is a clinically proven mobile gaming app that was developed at Boston Children’s Hospital. It’s already helped more than 100,000 kids, including my crew here at home. Kids play on a tablet or a phone while wearing a heart rate monitor. And Mightier incorporates breathing exercises and other calming techniques as part of the game. Kids get to see when it’s time to cool down and learn how to do it themselves. And parents get to track their progress. Visit mightier.com and use the promo code "theautismdad22" at checkout to save 10%. Visit Mightier Learn More About Bened Life Bened Life supports a neuroinclusive community with education and science-backed probiotics that promote mental and physical health. Bened Life prides itself on hiring neurodivergent staff that helps to run multiple facets of their business. Their medical probiotic, Neuralli, featuring the probiotic PS128, has already helped thousands of neurotypical and neurodivergent people worldwide. Learn more by going to benedlife.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout for 20% off your first order. Visit Bened Life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode, I take on the controversial subject of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy with his guest, Ashley Gibson-Stewart, a seasoned and board-certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). We talk about what ABA therapy was like in the past and how it's changed over the years. Acknowledging the Past: Rob and Ashley discuss the painful experiences our autistic adult friends endured during the early days of ABA therapy, recognizing the trauma it caused. Embracing Change: The episode highlights the significant changes in ABA practices over the years, focusing on the positive developments and lessons learned. Healing and Moving Forward: A critical look at how parents and therapists today use ABA therapy in a way that supports and does not harm children. This part of the discussion emphasizes the importance of healing from past mistakes and working together for the betterment of children needing support today. About Ashley Gibson-Stewart: Ashley Gibson-Stewart brings over a decade of experience in the ABA field to this conversation. Her extensive work ranges from young children to older adults, across various environments. Ashley's dedication lies in working closely with clients and their families to enact meaningful changes and enhance their quality of life. About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad Podcast: Rob Gorski, a single father to three autistic sons, is the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. As a multi-award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, and social media influencer, Rob has been a respected public figure and advocate in the autism community for over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: The Autism Dad Podcast Mentioned in this episode: Learn More: Goally The Goally tablet is focused on fostering independence in kids without the distractions of ads, social media, or potentially harmful content. Unlike Kindle and iPad tablets, Goally's Tablet exclusively features educational apps like Khan Academy, Duolingo ABC, and Starfall, and is entirely controlled by parents. Goally's Kids Calendar helps kids with things like task management. Kids also learn life skills through video classes and pre-made routines, enhancing their independence. For more information, you can visit getgoally.com and use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order. Visit Goally Learn More: Mightier Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to self-regulate emotionally. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier. Read My Mightier Review and the code “theautismdad22” to save 10% off your order. Visit Mightier

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 Liberatore: Susie Liberatore is an entrepreneur and devoted mother, who left the corporate world to support her son after his autism diagnosis. She built a successful marketing agency and a software company, balancing work with her son's therapy and education. Based in Ohio, Susie advocates for autism awareness and support, encouraging parents to ask questions and trust their instincts. Connect with her at SusieLiberatore.com. About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for the last 15 years. Connect with Rob: theautismdad.link If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to "The Autism Dad" podcast for more inspiring stories and practical advice. Don't forget to leave a review and share this episode with other parents who might find it helpful. Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Wishes and Co Travel Planning Stephanie Peters and Shelby Knopp co-own Wishes and Co Travel Planning, specializing in special needs travel. They provide resources and support for families with special needs children, including social stories, visual schedules, and personalized accommodation and activity recommendations. Their goal is to make travel accessible and enjoyable for all families. They work with various budgets, plan vacations year-round, and offer complimentary services, dedicated to creating lasting memories for families. Visit Wishes and Co Travel Planning Learn more about ABLEnow ABLEnow – tax-advantaged savings accounts for eligible individuals with disabilities. Learn if you, or someone you know, is eligible to open an ABLEnow account at ABLEnow.com. ABLEnow Learn More About Super Duper Publications Hello, parents and educators! Enhance your child's learning with Super Duper Publications! Our tools, designed by experts in speech-language and occupational therapy, include engaging games, books, and card decks perfect for any time, anywhere learning. With options for hands-on and digital learning, plus hundreds of free resources, we cater to all children, including those with diverse needs. Dive into fun and effective education at superduperinc.com and use the code "theautismdad10" to save 10%. Visit Super Duper Publications

On this week’s episode: Tara and Lauren are back by popular demand and we’re taking on topics that you sent in. Today we’re talking about finding balance when you have neurotypical and neurodivergent kids. It’s an incredibly emotional conversation filled with lots of tears and laughter. This hit very close to home for all three of us and I hope listening to us share our experiences reminds you that you’re not alone.  About Tara Reynolds: A devoted advocate and entrepreneur had a life-altering experience when her son was diagnosed with autism at 18 months. Disappointed by the lack of support on social media, she decided to create a comforting community, sharing her journey and becoming a beacon of hope for other special needs mothers. This led to the inception of Peace Love Autism, an online shop promoting acceptance and love through fashionable products. Her goal is to establish a place where individuals feel recognized, validated, and empowered. https://www.peaceloveautism.com/ @peace_love_autism About Lauren Flack: Lauren Flack is founder of The Channing's Joy Foundation, where she is dedicated to promoting inclusion and acceptance of autism and all individuals with special needs. Her son Channing was diagnosed in 2018. Channing’s Joy @channingsjoy @laurensflack About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com. Mentioned in this episode: Quiet Mind: Introducing The Original Weighted Pillow by Quiet Mind, an innovative tool for easing anxiety, stress, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder symptoms. This compact alternative to weighted blankets is created by Mikey Goldman, who himself deals with ADHD and anxiety. It's a portable companion, providing an instant calming effect. Unlike large weighted blankets, this soft, easy-to-move pillow won't make you too hot or claustrophobic. Using Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS), it offers the benefits of weighted blankets in a smaller, portable format, ideal for children with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorder. Consider it a stress ball for your body - hold it, hug it, and let your mind relax. For more information, visit onequietmind.com and use the code “theautismdad” at checkout to save 15% Social Cipher: This amazing game follows Ava, an autistic space pirate, as she navigates her way through social challenges, self-doubt, and connecting with her community. Ava is helping kids in over 220 schools and therapy centers across 6 countries build the social emotional skills they need to better navigate everyday life.!  Visit https://www.socialciphergame.com/ and use the code: theautismdad to get 15% off and start playing today! Goally: Goally is a comprehensive app, serving as a digital scheduler, AAC speaker, and token board system. Designed for unique thinkers like autistic and ADHD kids, it helps them master daily routines and therapy without parental reminders, reducing nagging and promoting self-management. Goally can be used on your child's device or an affordable, dedicated device, which we've found more effective in our home. For more information, you can visit getgoally.com and use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order.

My guest today is Dr. Jeff Selman. He’s VP of Clinical Services over at First Children Services. He’s here to talk about how COVID is creating additional delays in kids getting evaluated for autism. This is a huge problem because we know that early intervention is absolutely vital for kids with autism and delays interfere with that. We talk about what is happening and the impact it’s having on kids. We also discuss remote learning and some challenges that we’re not talking about as we prepare to return to in person learning. There’s lots to learn here and I’d love to get your feedback. Leave a comment on the blog post or hit me up on Twitter. About Dr. Jeff Selman: Dr. Jeff Selman is a New York and South Carolina licensed psychologist. He is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the doctoral level (BCBA-D) and holds current and previous certifications as a school psychologist in New York, New Jersey, and South Carolina. Contact Information: https://www.firstchildrenservices.com jselman@firstchildrenservices.com (888) 966-0745 All my information and relevant links are here Support this podcast: venmo.com/theautismdad Sponsors This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30-day trial. This episode is also brought to you by Hero Health. HERO is a smart automatic pill dispenser that dramatically improves medication management and compliance. Learn more at theautismdad.com/hero and use code “theautismdad50” to save $50.  CONTACT ME Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: BrainyAct BrainyAct® provides tech-enabled, patent-pending therapy programs delivered via gamification for neurological disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and ADHD. BrainyAct activates the underdeveloped areas of the brain through exercises that strategically target a child’s balance, gravity, gross/fine motor, rhythm and timing, visual motor perception, and memory. Putting hope in motion means putting your family first in everything we do and using movement to affect real change. Shifting hope to a reality. 91% of families report global brain improvements after four months. Our company was built on the premise to create real, measurable, and visible change that shows you how your child is improving through data. BrainyAct is for homes and schools. Visit Kinuu.com. Use promo code THEAUTISMDAD and save $500. This is a limited time offer. Visit BrainyAct Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 progress and challenges as he navigates through important milestones like job training and exploring living arrangements. - Touring Group Homes: Gavin talks about his criteria for a suitable group home and his feelings about touring such homes for the first time. - Future Plans and Aspirations: Gavin discusses his aspirations to start a YouTube channel focused on gaming, aiming to build it as both a passion project and a safety net. - Managing Health and Personal Interests: As someone who is immunocompromised, Gavin emphasizes the importance of living in a clean and healthy environment. He also shares how he wishes to include his future roommates in his YouTube gaming sessions. Contacting The Autism Dad: For more information, to be a guest, or to become a sponsor, please visit theautismdad.link. Mentioned in this episode: Learn More: Mightier Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to self-regulate emotionally. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier. Read My Mightier Review and the code “theautismdad22” to save 10% off your order. Visit Mightier

In this week's episode, my friends Rose and Sunny from Bened Life are here to discuss the importance of inclusion and neurodiversity in the workplace. We come at this from a couple of different perspectives with the goal of Guest Bio: Sunny Cash is the Community Director for Bened Life. She has over 10 years in the psychology and neurodiversity field. When she's not working on building a neuro-inclusive community, finding the best disability accommodations for her coworkers, or connecting with our amazing clients and partners, you can find her hiking with her partner and their German shorthaired pointer, Freya. Sunny was diagnosed as an adult with ADHD, which she believes gives her deep focus on her interests & community building. Human connection is her greatest passion, and she’s happily in a position where her neurodiversity is celebrated. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunny-cash/ Rose Hughes is a Neurodiversity and Disability Specialist. You might know her as @a.tint.of.rose on Instagram where she adventures life in its realist form with her house rabbit Missy, and Penguin, her emotional support/travel buddy cuddly toy.  Rose describes herself as an open-minded gal who loves food, fitness, tourism, and animals (alpacas make her cry with happiness). The world of social media & community are special interests rivaled only by food – both eating and cooking it. She’s been known to watch movies only for their food scenes.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roselhughes/ Instagram: https://instgram.com/a.tint.of.rose Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys as well as Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski:  https://listen.theautismdad.com Huge thanks to this week's sponsors. ☺ ♥ Mentioned in this episode: Just two Dads Podcast Shawn Francis and Brian Altounian host "Just two Dads." A weekly conversation with two dads about raising children with special needs. Listen, every Wednesday at 12PM PST. Find them on Facebook and anywhere you get your podcasts. Just two Dads Podcast Learn More About Mightier Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to emotionally self-regulate. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier. Visit Mightier Review Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back!!!! My guest today is Sacha Muller and he’s an autism Dad. Sacha is here to talk to me about his parenting journey and what being a special needs Dad has been like for him thus far. While I didn’t know Sacha prior to this interview, I’ve learned that he’s an awesome Dad and I’m so grateful that he was willing to talk so openly about how he feels. I hope this inspires other Moms and Dads to open up and share their stories. Sponsors NoNetz is a Mother and son clothing company, with a particular focus on sensory-friendly and inclusive clothing. Check them out at NoNetz.com Zenaviv is a family-owned, social enterprise, started by the father of a 19-year-old boy diagnosed with classic autism. Zenaviv helps support autistic artists by representing and marketing their work. It’s an amazing cause and 66% of profits go right back to the artist. Check out their new line of high-end jigsaw puzzles. Learn More at zenaviv.com/puzzles All my information and relevant links are here Support this podcast: venmo.com/theautismdad If you would like to be a guest on the show or sponsor an episode, please click the link below and send me a message. I’d love to talk to you. CONTACT ME Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders BrainyAct BrainyAct® provides tech-enabled, patent-pending therapy programs delivered via gamification for neurological disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and ADHD. BrainyAct activates the underdeveloped areas of the brain through exercises that strategically target a child’s balance, gravity, gross/fine motor, rhythm and timing, visual motor perception, and memory. Putting hope in motion means putting your family first in everything we do and using movement to affect real change. Shifting hope to a reality. 91% of families report global brain improvements after four months. Our company was built on the premise to create real, measurable, and visible change that shows you how your child is improving through data. BrainyAct is for homes and schools. Visit Kinuu.com. Use promo code THEAUTISMDAD and save $500. This is a limited time offer. Visit BrainyAct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All my information and relevant links are here Support this podcast: venmo.com/theautismdad My guest today is Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, FAAP, pediatrician, special needs Mom, and author of The Working Mom Blueprint: Winning at Parenting without Losing Yourself (American Academy of Pediatrics; May 11, 2021). We’re having a very important discussion about finding a balance between work, kids, relationships, home, and yourself. We’re also going to talk about burnout and the importance of self-care. Stick around because this is a really important episode.  Buy her book: The Working Mom Blueprint: Winning at Parenting without Losing Yourself (American Academy of Pediatrics; May 11, 2021). Check out her website: https://modernmommydoc.com/ Sponsors The presenting sponsor of this episode of The Autism Dad Podcast is Afluencer. Afluencer was created to help influencers and merchants find each other. If you’re someone who’s looking to monetize your social media presence, look no further. Afluencer can help connect you with merchants looking for people, just like you to partner with. This is a great way to bring in extra money and grow your brand. If you’re a merchant or business, looking to connect with a-list influencers to help you grow your business, Afluencer is where you belong. If you’re interested in learning more, visit afluencer.com for more information. That’s a-f-l-u-e-n-c-e-r.com. Link in the show notes. This episode is brought to you by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30-day trial. This episode is also brought to you by Hero Health. HERO is a smart automatic pill dispenser that dramatically improves medication management and compliance. Learn more at theautismdad.com/hero and use code “theautismdad50” to save $50.  CONTACT ME Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the power of parental support in this episode of 'The Autism Dad' podcast. Join us as Tia Hanson shares the uplifting story of her son Trevor, a young man with autism who founded 'Trev's Trade Soaps'. This episode celebrates creativity, determination, and the incredible potential within the autism community. A heartwarming tale of success, one soap bar at a time. Guest Expert: Tia Hanson - Trevor's Mom Trevor Dealy is a young man with a compassionate nature who has ventured into the artisanal soap-making business. At 21 years old, Trevor, who has autism, is developmentally younger than his age suggests. He has faced a range of medical challenges since birth, being a micro-preemie born at just 26 weeks and weighing only 1 pound 7 ounces. Despite these hurdles, Trevor has shown incredible resilience and determination, now successfully running a home-based operation producing beautiful, small-batch soaps. Tia Hanson, Trevor's mother, is an extraordinary figure in her own right. She holds a degree in early childhood development and has over 12 years of experience in teaching and developing educational programs. After Trevor's birth, Tia devoted herself entirely to addressing his complex disabilities and medical needs. She has been a tireless advocate, challenging systems that were ill-prepared to support and educate her son. Her advocacy journey led her back to school with the Council of Parents Attorneys and Advocates, a nationally certified advocacy program. Tia now works as an educational advocate in a law firm, leveraging her personal experiences with Trevor to help other people with disabilities and their families. Learn more about Trev's Trades: https://www.trevstrades.com/ Like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/trevstrades Hosted by Rob Gorski: Rob Gorski, a devoted single father to three incredible autistic sons, is the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. As a multi-award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, and influential social media figure for over a decade, Rob continues to share his family's journey, providing insights, resources, and support to the autism community. Connect with Rob: https://theautismdad.com You can find all past episodes anywhere you get your podcasts. Here are a few options. Apple Podcast Spotify How to listen on your favorite app: Download your favorite app and search for “ The Autism Dad”. Hit the subscribe button to be notified of all new releases. This prevents you from always having to search. Alternatively, you can visit the official website at https://listen.theautismdad.com. Everything is there as well. Today’s Sponsors: Aceing Autism ACEing Autism provides tennis programs for children on the autism spectrum aged 5 to 18, focusing on growth, social skills, and physical fitness. Tailored to individual needs with one-on-one volunteer support, the program includes weekend sessions and offers scholarships for accessibility. It aims to build confidence and social connections, with extended support available beyond age 18. More information can be found at aceingautism.org. The Village Vision Podcast "The Village Vision podcast delves into the power of community support in child and family care. We share inspiring stories and insights from experts, advocates, and those with firsthand experience, highlighting effective collaborations for improved care. This podcast embodies the ethos of Meerkat Village, which focuses on using technology to unite caregivers and services for children with diverse needs. Join us to explore how collaborative care can transform our community. For more information visit https://thevillagevision.com/.

Dr. Jason Kahn from Mightier is back to help me announce the winner of the Mightier 1 year subscription giveaway and talk about what they can expect as their child begins using Mightier for the first time. Thank you to everyone for entering and making this giveaway a success. Thank you to Jason and the whole Mightier team for supporting this giveaway and giving back to the community. Guest Bio: Dr. Jason Kahn is a developmental psychologist and researcher from Boston Children’s Hospital, an instructor at Harvard, and co-founder, as well as, Chief Science Officer of Mightier. Find Mightier at https://mightier.com Use the code "theautismdad" to save 10% of Mightier Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys as well as Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com You can learn more about Mightier by visiting mightier.com and remember to use the code "theautismdad" to save 10%. Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Bened Life Bened Life supports a neuroinclusive community with education and science-backed probiotics that promote mental and physical health. Bened Life prides itself on hiring neurodivergent staff that helps to run multiple facets of their business. Their medical probiotic, Neuralli, featuring the probiotic PS128, has already helped thousands of neurotypical and neurodivergent people worldwide. Learn more by going to benedlife.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout for 20% off your first order. Visit Bened Life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 actionable advice and heartfelt encouragement on creating a supportive environment that fosters growth and resilience for you and your child. About Lisa Candera: Lisa Candera, The Autism Mom Coach, is a solo mother of a teenage son with severe autism and OCD, a practicing attorney, and a certified life and grief coach. Over the past four years, she has faced intense challenges, including her child's severe aggression and hospitalizations. These experiences inspired her to pursue certifications in life and grief coaching and create a program for autism parents. Through her coaching program and weekly podcast, Lisa shares her wisdom and practical strategies, offering guidance and support to families navigating autism parenting. Her insights have helped countless families manage the complexities of raising a child with autism. To learn more about Lisa: - Website: http://www.theautismmomcoach.com - Facebook and Instagram: @theautismmomcoach - Podcast: The Autism Mom Coach Podcast About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for the last 15 years. Connect with Rob: theautismdad.link Mentioned in this episode: Learn More: Mightier Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to self-regulate emotionally. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier. Read My Mightier Review and the code “theautismdad22” to save 10% off your order. Visit Mightier Learn More: Goally The Goally tablet is focused on fostering independence in kids without the distractions of ads, social media, or potentially harmful content. Unlike Kindle and iPad tablets, Goally's Tablet exclusively features educational apps like Khan Academy, Duolingo ABC, and Starfall, and is entirely controlled by parents. Goally's Kids Calendar helps kids with things like task management. Kids also learn life skills through video classes and pre-made routines, enhancing their independence. For more information, you can visit getgoally.com and use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order. Visit Goally

S2E10 In this week's episode, I have a very open and honest conversation with my good friend Hazel McAdam. She one of my favorite people and you should definitely follow her on Twitter. She's an adult living with ADHD and Anxiety. She helps so many people by sharing her journey and educating the world. We talk about how these conditions impact her daily life, and how we can better support those with ADHD and/or Anxiety. Hazel and I even take on some listener questions. Please be sure to subscribe via your favorite podcasting app and help spread the word by sharing on social media. I'd really appreciate it. :-) https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=XMMLPN5AV5EVY&source=url (Support This Podcast) You can find Hazel: Twitter: https://twitter.com/H_Mc92 (https://twitter.com/H_Mc92) You can find me: https://my.captivate.fm/theautismdad.com (theautismdad.com) Twitter: https://twitter.com/theautismdad (https://twitter.com/theautismdad) This episode is sponsored by Lakikid.com. Visit Lakikid.com/theautismdad and use code “theautismdad” to save 20% on their amazing sensory tools. This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30 day trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders BrainyAct BrainyAct® provides tech-enabled, patent-pending therapy programs delivered via gamification for neurological disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and ADHD. BrainyAct activates the underdeveloped areas of the brain through exercises that strategically target a child’s balance, gravity, gross/fine motor, rhythm and timing, visual motor perception, and memory. Putting hope in motion means putting your family first in everything we do and using movement to affect real change. Shifting hope to a reality. 91% of families report global brain improvements after four months. Our company was built on the premise to create real, measurable, and visible change that shows you how your child is improving through data. BrainyAct is for homes and schools. Visit Kinuu.com. Use promo code THEAUTISMDAD and save $500. This is a limited time offer. Visit BrainyAct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m so excited about this week’s episode because I just launched The Parent to Parent Series. Aside from briefly vetting my guests, I go into these interviews blind. The idea is to meet another special needs parent for the first time. Get to know them. Have a raw, unfiltered conversation. Learn about their life and family. Share experiences and insights with the overall goal of reminding everyone listening just how beautiful and unique every special needs family is. You will likely hear some colorful language and that’s okay. You will also find things that you can relate to and that can serve as a reminder that you aren’t alone. We can all learn from each other and the more connections we can make, the more connected to this amazing community we will find ourselves. My guest is Wendy Valente. About Wendy: Wendy’s had a lifelong love of Interior Design, went to college, and started a career in the design industry. Fast forward, she’s a wife and mother of 3 girls. Her oldest is Autistic and has ADHD. Her youngest are twins. After realizing the traditional way of working was not working for her and her family, she started her own business. This has allowed her to work around the school calendar, and be there for her family. After her oldest was diagnosed with Autism, she started to dive deep into ways to help her and understand her. This led her to Designing Interiors for Autism. www.livewelldesigns.net  https://www.facebook.com/groups/designinginteriorsforautism/ About Me: All my information and relevant links are here. Sponsors This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30-day trial. This episode is also brought to you by Hero Health. HERO is a smart automatic pill dispenser that dramatically improves medication management and compliance. Learn more at http://theautismdad.com/hero and use code “theautismdad50” to save $50.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We use the words' meltdown and tantrum in the autism community all the time, but do we really know what they mean? In the next 6 minutes, you will learn everything you need to know to gain a better understanding of both meltdowns and tantrums, as well as how to tell the difference between the two. Submit your autism parenting questions at the link below: https://listen.theautismdad.com/contact/ Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys as well as Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: Official Podcast Homepage: listen.theautismdad.com Official Blog theautismdad.com Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Mightier Mightier is a clinically proven mobile gaming app that was developed at Boston Children’s Hospital. It’s already helped more than 100,000 kids, including my crew here at home. Kids play on a tablet or a phone while wearing a heart rate monitor. And Mightier incorporates breathing exercises and other calming techniques as part of the game. Kids get to see when it’s time to cool down and learn how to do it themselves. And parents get to track their progress. Visit mightier.com and use the promo code "theautismdad22" at checkout to save 10%. Visit Mightier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's listener question is "anyone else aware of the extent of their child's condition, but still get sad when you see it in paper?" I appreciate the honest question. I've been having really deep conversations with someone who's helping to see some of the things in a different light, and it makes a difference. This question popped up, and I wanted to share some of the wisdom that was shared with my audience. You can find the question and join the discussion at the link below.. Autism Parenting Support Group Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys as well as Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Mightier Mightier is a clinically proven mobile gaming app that was developed at Boston Children’s Hospital. It’s already helped more than 100,000 kids, including my crew here at home. Kids play on a tablet or a phone while wearing a heart rate monitor. And Mightier incorporates breathing exercises and other calming techniques as part of the game. Kids get to see when it’s time to cool down and learn how to do it themselves. And parents get to track their progress. Visit mightier.com and use the promo code "theautismdad22" at checkout to save 10%. Visit Mightier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: Kevin shares his personal story as an autism dad, discussing the challenges and revelations he and his family faced from early diagnosis to adulthood. - Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD): Kevin provides an in-depth look at OOD, detailing how the agency supports individuals with disabilities across Ohio, helping them achieve independence through employment. - The Power of Employment: Discover how Rob's son, Gavin, benefited from OOD's programs, gaining not just a job but a sense of purpose and autonomy. - Navigating the Transition to Adulthood: Kevin and Rob discuss the often-daunting transition to adulthood for young people with autism and how programs like OOD can provide crucial support. - Resources and Advice for Parents: Kevin offers resources and advice for parents navigating the journey of raising children with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of fostering independence and finding purpose. - A Father's Perspective: Both Kevin and Rob share their experiences and insights as fathers of autistic children, offering a candid look at the challenges, joys, and personal growth that comes with their unique parenting roles. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: - Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities: Explore the services and support offered by OOD by visiting OODWorks.com or calling 800-282-4536. - Contacting The Autism Dad: For more information, to be a guest, or to become a sponsor, please visit theautismdad.link. Connect with Us: - Subscribe to our Podcast: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen to your podcasts. - Follow The Autism Dad on Social Media: Stay up to date with the latest episodes and join our growing community. Special Thanks: A heartfelt thank you to Kevin Miller for sharing his story and expertise. His insights into the world of disabilities and the power of employment have the potential to change lives. And, as always, thank you to our listeners for joining us on this journey. Your support and engagement make this podcast possible. If you found this episode helpful, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and sharing it with someone who might benefit from our discussions. Don't miss our next episode, where we'll explore another important topic in the autism community. Subscribe now to stay updated! Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Tranquil Path Financial Planning Britta Kepf is a dedicated special needs financial planner at Tranquil Path Financial Planning, offering unbiased, tailored advice for families across the U.S. She specializes in retirement and special needs financial planning, helping families navigate government benefits and long-term needs with clarity and peace of mind. For compassionate, personalized financial guidance, contact Britta Kepf at tranquilfp.com. Visit Tranquil Path Financial Planning Learn More: Mightier Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to self-regulate emotionally. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier. Read My Mightier Review and the code “theautismdad22” to save 10% off your order. Visit Mightier

I recently discovered my autistic kids are having to do active shooter and lockdown drills at school. I was caught off guard because my kids are in a school for autistic kids and kids with other learning disabilities. I had no idea this was happening and I wanted to learn more. I found so many stories about how traumatizing these drills are for kids in general. Concerned, I wanted to speak to someone who has experienced these first hand. As parents we need to be aware of what our kids are experiencing and how they are being impacted. In honor of National Gun Violence Survivors Week, I wanted to have a conversation about this. I'm connected with Shannon Watts on Twitter. Shannon is the founder of Mom's Demand Action and is leading the fight for gun safety. I asked if I could speak with someone about this and she delivered. My guest today is Avery Hamill. Avery is a senior in high school, a Student Demands Action volunteer and Students Demand Action National Advisory Board member. Avery literally took time out of his school day to talk about what it's like to experience active shooter and lockdown drills first hand. He also shares why they're so traumatizing to kids and what can be done to help reduce the impact. As a parent, this interview really hit me hard and I'm so grateful to have connected with Avery. Some heros don't wear capes and some are still in high school.. You can follow and support Avery on Twitter by clicking here. You can find more information about Students Demand Action, Mom's Demand Action, and Everytown below: Research report on the Impact of Active Shooter Drills in Schools Students Demand Action Mom's Demand Action Everytown Text "READY: to 644-33 to join the movement of Americans working together to end gun violence and build safer communities." More information about National Gun Violence Survivors Week Find me at listen.theautismdad.com All my information can be found here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Mightier Mightier is a clinically proven mobile gaming app that was developed at Boston Children’s Hospital. It’s already helped more than 100,000 kids, including my crew here at home. Kids play on a tablet or a phone while wearing a heart rate monitor. And Mightier incorporates breathing exercises and other calming techniques as part of the game. Kids get to see when it’s time to cool down and learn how to do it themselves. And parents get to track their progress. Visit mightier.com and use the promo code "theautismdad22" at checkout to save 10%. Visit Mightier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 triplets, to managing a thriving consultancy and podcasting career. Key Topics Covered: Balancing Motherhood and Career: Danusia dives into her experiences of managing a large family while leading a successful consultancy. She discusses the challenges and rewards of juggling both roles without compromising her personal or professional identity. Raising Neurodiverse Children: Danusia's candid conversation about her neurodiverse triplets offers invaluable insights into the unique challenges and triumphs of parenting children with autism and other neurodiverse conditions. The Impact of Societal Expectations: The discussion highlights the societal pressures placed on mothers, especially those with careers, and how these expectations differ from those faced by fathers. Danusia and Rob explore the double standards that exist and the importance of redefining these roles. Navigating Meltdowns and Professional Obligations: Danusia shares real-life examples of how she has had to balance professional responsibilities with the immediate needs of her children, particularly during meltdowns, and how she navigates these situations with grace and transparency. The Role of Privilege in Parenting: Both hosts discuss the privileges they hold and how these impact their experiences as parents, especially in the context of single parenting and gender expectations. Quotes: "Motherhood and a successful career should not be mutually exclusive." - Danusia Malina-Derben "Society is not built to support women who want to have it all, but we must challenge that." - Danusia Malina-Derben Resources: Danusia Malina-Derben’s Website: DanusiaMalinaDerben.com Books by Danusia Malina-Derben: Noise: A Manifesto Modernizing Motherhood Spunk: A Manifesto Modernizing Fatherhood Connect with Us: Rob Gorski - The Autism Dad: Website Follow on Instagram: @theautismdad Listen to The Autism Dad Podcast: Podcast Link Learn More: Grokkoli Hey parents! Is your child struggling with math? Meet Grokkoli, an AI tutor that helps kids progress multiple grade levels in months. Grokkoli identifies where your child struggles, meets them at their level, and is effective even for kids with learning disabilities, ensuring they get the support they need. Currently supporting K-5 math, Grokkoli is expanding to grow with your child, making it a great alternative to human tutors at a lower cost. Try Grokkoli free for 7 days! Visit grokkoli.com and use code “theautismdad” for 50% off your first month. Learn More: Mightier Mightier helps kids self-regulate emotionally through biofeedback-based video games. Learn more and get a discount at Visit Mightier. Use code “theautismdad22” to save 10%.

This week’s episode is all about helping our kids survive the COVID19 lockdown. Mary Jane Weiss, Ph.D, joins me to discuss ways we can help our kids better maintain, both emotionally and physically in a situation in which their entire world has been turned upside down. Mary Jane has worked in the Autism and ABA field for over 35 years and she has some amazing advice for parents, including myself. Be sure to check this episode out and share it with the people in your life. About Dr. Mary Jane Weiss: Mary Jane Weiss, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LABA specializes in the science of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and its application to human problems, especially autism. She serves as the executive director of programs in ABA and autism, and as director of the Ph.D. program in ABA. She is especially passionate about the philosophical and scientific foundations of ABA, ethical decision-making in the context of professional practice, and collaboration across disciplines. Find Mary Jane Weiss, Ph.D here Support This Podcast You can find me: theautismdad.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/theautismdad IMPORTANT COVID19 INFORMATION I wanted to provide you with a list of reliable sources for information regarding COVID19. Facts, science medicine and accurate, truthful information matter now more than ever. These are some of the people and medical facilities that I trust and rely on for information about this pandemic. Please give them a follow. Dr. Tara C. Smith Professor, infectious disease epidemiologist Twitter: twitter.com/aetiology Website: aracsmith.com Cleveland Clinic Twitter: twitter.com/clevelandclinic Website: clevelandclinic.org Mayo Clinic Twitter:twitter.com/mayoclinic Website: mayoclinic.org CDC Twitter: twitter.com/cdcgov Website: cdc.gov This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30 day trial. This episode is brought to you by AngelSense. Wandering is a huge problem in the Autism community and it’s reached epidemic levels. AngelSense is working to save the lives of Autistic kids who wander, by empowering parents with GPS tracking tools that helps them to immediately intervene should an episode of elopement occur. Visit angelsense.com for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s Parenting Q&A episode, I’m answering your question about the challenges associated with letting go or stepping back so that our autistic kids can grow and become more independent. About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com. Mentioned in this episode: Goally: Goally is a comprehensive app, serving as a digital scheduler, AAC speaker, and token board system. Designed for unique thinkers like autistic and ADHD kids, it helps them master daily routines and therapy without parental reminders, reducing nagging and promoting self-management. Goally can be used on your child's device or an affordable, dedicated device, which we've found more effective in our home. For more information, you can visit getgoally.com and use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order.

Eileen Lamb (The Autism Cafe) is an autistic mother of two autistic kids. She's here for a parent-to-parent discussion about the reality of regressive autism and ABA therapy, based on first-hand, personal experience. Guest Bio: Eileen Lamb, author of "All Across The Spectrum" and “Be The One,” is the founder of The Autism Cafe. She’s also a writer, photographer, and podcast host. Born in France, Eileen now lives in Austin, Texas, with her two sons, Charlie (9) and Jude (6), and their soon-to-be little sister. On her blog, she shares the ups and downs of raising a severely autistic child while being on the autism spectrum herself. Books: ALL ACROSS THE SPECTRUM BE THE ONE Website: The Autism Cafe Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys as well as Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Official Podcast Homepage Official Blog Podcast Discussion Autism Parenting Support Forum Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Trail Magik Communing with nature is one of the best methods of self-care available, and hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy nature. If you’re a parent who enjoys hitting the trails with your little ones, you’re already aware that toddlers will walk some of the journey and want carried the rest of the way. There are tons of contraptions for carrying babies while on the trails, but what about those in between, toddler years? You don’t want to bring a big bulky carrier for a kid who’s only going to use it some of the time. The Trail Magik Kid Carrier solves that problem and does so brilliantly. Invented by a Dad who wanted to take his 3-year-old backpacking. It’s for kiddos 12 months up to 43 pounds. The carrier attaches onto hiking backpacks and durable daypacks that have a waist strap & upper loaders. Weighing less than 10oz, it’s so portable, you can stuff it into the side of your backpack when not in use. It’s a game-changer for the "outdoor adventure family" community. For more information, visit TrailMagik.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at check out and save 10% of your order. Visit Trail Magik Learn More About Tracto Tracto is a free app that is all about empowering parents to better understand and meet the unique needs of their kids with autism, ADHD or anxiety. Tracto does this by easily allowing for the collaborative tracking of behaviors over time. Parents can invite teachers or anyone else they want to help document behavioral changes. Not everyone sees the same things because every environment is different. Being able to document behaviors in realtime, prevents having to pull from memory later on, making it more accurate, and reliable information. Tracking things like sleep patterns, medication-related behavioral changes, behaviors in the classroom, or anything else that parents of these amazing kiddos need to keep an eye on, can be challenging. Simply put, Tracto makes it easy. All tracking and collaboration functions to this app are completely free. They also offer affordable online courses, taught by leading experts if you’re interested in learning some new parenting skills yourself. They’re short videos that will teach you new parenting approaches and help you gain more insight into your child. You can get more information about Tracto at tracto.app. Or check out the Google Play or Apple app store. Use the code “theautismdad” at checkout and save 30% off your online course order. Visit Tracto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 and building a sustainable future for himself. We discuss: What Gavin is looking for in a group home Health and hygiene concerns due to his compromised immune system The emotional challenges of touring potential homes Gavin’s budgeting process and side-hustle plans His passion for gaming and creating a relaxed, inclusive online space This is a real, unfiltered conversation about growing up, letting go, and navigating life with autism. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or self-advocate, I hope this episode helps you feel seen and less alone. 🎧 Listen now and share with someone who needs to hear this. Want to support the podcast or be a guest? Visit theautismdad.com for more info, contact links, or to explore sponsorship opportunities. This episode is sponsored by: 🛏️ Safe Place Bedding If your child struggles with sleep, safety, or elopement, Safe Place Bedding offers custom in-home safety beds that can truly make a difference. Their beds are portable, insurable, and now include new monitoring options for added peace of mind. Visit safeplacebedding.com/theautismdad to learn more and explore their newest model—the Safe Place 300. 🧦 Parker & Talia Parker & Talia creates tag-free, sensory-friendly essentials that help kids feel comfortable and confident. Founded by a fellow autism mom, their clothes are soft, inclusive, and made with love. Get 10% off your order with code THEAUTISMDAD at parkerandtalia.com.

In this weeks listener questions episode, I answered your questions about ADHD. You guys have been sending in some really good questions and I picked the top three to answer this week. They are as follows: How did I go 43 years without being diagnosed? How do you know the difference between ADHD and simply being forgetful, unmotivated, or unfocused? What are some strategies that can be used to help manage ADHD? About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com. Mentioned in this episode: Do you work with or care for children with autism? Learn from leading autism experts, activivists and self-advocates, including Dr. Tyler Whitney, Alix Generous, Kaelynn Partlow from the Nexflix series “Love on The Spectrum”, the clinical team at Springbrook Autism Behavioral Health, and more at Converge Autism Summit, May 16 and 17 at the Greenville South Carolina convention center.  Learn more and get tickets at convergeautism.com

Season 5 is officially over and I thought it would be fun to close the season out by revisiting one of my favorite interviews from this season. Sit back and enjoy a great conversation with my friend Kate Swenson. Connect with Kate Swenson: Finding Cooper's Voice Check out Forever Boy About Kate Swenson: Kate is Cooper's mom, the founder of Finding Cooper's Voice, and the author of the new book Forever Boy. Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Bened Life Bened Life supports a neuroinclusive community with education and science-backed probiotics that promote mental and physical health. Bened Life prides itself on hiring neurodivergent staff that helps to run multiple facets of their business. Their medical probiotic, Neuralli, featuring the probiotic PS128, has already helped thousands of neurotypical and neurodivergent people worldwide. Learn more by going to benedlife.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout for 20% off your first order. Visit Bened Life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's parenting Q&A episode, we delve deep into the sensitive topic of helping autistic children navigate grief after a significant loss. For the first time, I share my personal journey through this challenging terrain, shedding light on a subject close to my heart. It's an emotional episode, but I hope it offers support and guidance for those facing similar challenges. About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://theautismdad.com. Mentioned in this episode: Goally: Goally is a comprehensive app, serving as a digital scheduler, AAC speaker, and token board system. Designed for unique thinkers like autistic and ADHD kids, it helps them master daily routines and therapy without parental reminders, reducing nagging and promoting self-management. Goally can be used on your child's device or an affordable, dedicated device, which we've found more effective in our home. For more information, you can visit getgoally.com and use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order.

In this final episode of season 3, I meet Nikki Saunders. I go into these episodes not knowing anything about these parents. I know that Nikki is an autism Mom and lives in the UK. I encourage you to join me once more on this amazing journey to learn about her life and her family. I’ve included her bio below as by the time you listen to this, I’ve already met her and you may want to reach out and connect with her. About Nikki Saunders Nikki was born in Suffolk; she has two children and has worked in Special Education. Nikki’s son was diagnosed with autism and she found a lack of inclusion on the bookshelves. After scribbling social stories for mainstream situations, Nikki used her creative eye and went on to publish, “My Awesome Autism” for her son. It was such a success, that she wanted to share this with other children and their families worldwide and normalize these conversations everywhere as Nikki receives many heart-warming comments and messages in receipt of her books via her social media sites. “I’ve been crafting stories for as long as I can remember, but in 2019 I decided to take the plunge and create a book for my son. I searched the bookshelves in 2013 and I never found the book we needed, a book to celebrate autism, something bright, positive, and empowering! I noticed a huge gap for many other different abilities too! Children needed to see different books, explore, ask questions, or relate to them. Since then, she’s gone on to write more books for children with Special Educational Needs and resources for transitional situations. She now has six books on her portfolio, and her notebooks for ideas, social stories, and situations are bulging! During lockdown, she released the PDF’s for the ‘I’m Going To School’ Transition Workbook. It was published in Feb 2020 for pre-schoolers going to school and those on the spectrum in need of visual supports, with hints and tips inside but little did she know how many families, and schools it would help. She has also been asked by a team of Educational Psychologists to collaborate in creating ‘Welcome Back Eddie After Lockdown’ to support children in their return during the pandemic and she recently won the Theo Paphitis SBS Award and was contacted by a video producer from Yahoo UK. The magic continues and her Series is available via Amazon. Book 7 out Next month. Nikki Saunders Contact Information: The Eddie Series Book 1 Paperback Edition The Eddie Series Book 1 Kindle Edition The Eddie Series Book 2 Paperback Edition The Eddie Series Book 2 Kindle Edition Social media handles @Nrsaundersbooks Website www.nrsaunders.com. LinkedIn: Nikki Saunders All my information and relevant links are here Support this podcast: venmo.com/theautismdad Sponsors This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30-day trial. This episode is also brought to you by Hero Health. HERO is a smart automatic pill dispenser that dramatically improves medication management and compliance. Learn more at theautismdad.com/hero and use code “theautismdad50” to save $50.  CONTACT ME Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest today is Sam Mitchell. Sam is a 19-year-old young man who is college bound, majoring in media and entrepreneurship. He found his niche and love in podcasting in high school when he joined his high school's media club. Podcasting became his passion and he started his own, Autism Rocks and Rolls. Sam and I have a great conversation about all of the amazing things he's doing with Autism Rocks and Rolls. You can find Sam at: https://autismrocksandrolls.com Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Mightier Mightier is a clinically proven mobile gaming app that was developed at Boston Children’s Hospital. It’s already helped more than 100,000 kids, including my crew here at home. Kids play on a tablet or a phone while wearing a heart rate monitor. And Mightier incorporates breathing exercises and other calming techniques as part of the game. Kids get to see when it’s time to cool down and learn how to do it themselves. And parents get to track their progress. Visit mightier.com and use the promo code "theautismdad22" at checkout to save 10%. Visit Mightier Happy Ladders Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now. Visit Happy Ladders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's episode answers all your questions about Speech Therapy. My guest is Mckell Smith, a special needs mom and Speech/Language Pathologist. We talk about her parenting journey before diving into a conversation about what Speech Therapy is, how it works, who benefits, and how to navigate the system. Guest Bio: Mckell Smith is a Speech & Language Therapist, mom of four (three with special needs), advocate, and business owner. Mckell is passionate about helping kids, and their families. You can find here at the links below: www.childchampions.net www.instagram.com/im.mckell Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys as well as Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Bened Life Bened Life supports a neuroinclusive community with education and science-backed probiotics that promote mental and physical health. Bened Life prides itself on hiring neurodivergent staff that helps to run multiple facets of their business. Their medical probiotic, Neuralli, featuring the probiotic PS128, has already helped thousands of neurotypical and neurodivergent people worldwide. Learn more by going to benedlife.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout for 20% off your first order. Visit Bened Life Learn More About Mightier Mightier is a clinically proven mobile gaming app that was developed at Boston Children’s Hospital. It’s already helped more than 100,000 kids, including my crew here at home. Kids play on a tablet or a phone while wearing a heart rate monitor. And Mightier incorporates breathing exercises and other calming techniques as part of the game. Kids get to see when it’s time to cool down and learn how to do it themselves. And parents get to track their progress. Visit mightier.com and use the promo code "theautismdad22" at checkout to save 10%. Visit Mightier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode, I talk with Madeline Cheney from The Rare Life Podcast, where she shares her family's journey raising two amazing kids, one with very rare conditions. We have a conversation about what life is like for her family, some of the challenges they face, and how she's helping other families dealing with similar things. Guest Bio: Madeline Cheney is the host/creator of The Rare Life, a well-loved podcast for parents of children with rare conditions. She finds huge fulfillment in connecting with this community of parents in this way. Her experiences with her medically-complex son Kimball inspired the podcast. Kimball is a Buzz-lightyear loving four-year-old with a rare form of dwarfism and deaf-blindness, among other aspects of his rare syndrome. Madeline and Kimball live in Utah with his dad Juston and big sister Wendy where they enjoy camping as a family. Connect with Madeline on Instagram Listen to The Rare Life Podcast Important Links: My Autism Parenting Support Forum: Click Here Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Bened Life Bened Life supports a neuroinclusive community with education and science-backed probiotics that promote mental and physical health. Bened Life prides itself on hiring neurodivergent staff that helps to run multiple facets of their business. Their medical probiotic, Neuralli, featuring the probiotic PS128, has already helped thousands of neurotypical and neurodivergent people worldwide. Learn more by going to benedlife.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout for 20% off your first order. Visit Bened Life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 introducing it to children, and the unique features of her inclusive meditation platform, WeeMeditate. Key Topics Discussed: - Common challenges parents face in helping their neurodivergent children self-regulate - The benefits of meditation for children, including emotional regulation, reduced anxiety, and improved concentration - Practical tips for introducing meditation to children who are fidgety or have difficulty sitting still - The importance of making meditation accessible and representative for all children - Overview of WeeMeditate, a meditation platform designed for children of all abilities, featuring guided story meditations and character inclusivity - How parents can incorporate meditation into their children's daily routines Resources Mentioned: - WeeMeditate: https://weemeditate.com - Dragon's Meditation Club Newsletter: Free monthly meditations for parents and children available at https://weeMeditate.com Guest Bio: Jan Gioia is a dedicated meditation teacher with a master's degree in special education. She has extensive experience teaching meditation to children from preschool to high school, including those with autism and various disabilities. Jan is the creator of WeeMeditate, an inclusive meditation platform designed to be accessible and representative of all children. Through her work, Jan aims to make meditation a practical and beneficial practice for neurodivergent kids and their families. About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for the last 15 years. Connect with Rob: theautismdad.link Mentioned in this episode: Learn More: Mightier Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to self-regulate emotionally. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier. Read My Mightier Review and the code “theautismdad22” to save 10% off your order. Visit Mightier