Hyperfocus: “How I Met Your Mother” co-creator on parenting, disability, and language

Craig Thomas is best known for his work on TV. He co-created the sitcom “How I Met Your Mother” and has written for “American Dad” and more. He’s penned songs for “Sesame Street” and essays for “The New Yorker.” 

He’s less known for being a dad. For now, at least. He has a daughter, Celia, and a son, Elliot, who was born with Jacobsen syndrome, a genetic condition causing physical and developmental disabilities. 

When Elliot was born, Craig’s career was taking off with “How I Met Your Mother.” “I was living an hour drama show at home and then driving to work and doing a sitcom,” Craig says. His upcoming novel, “That’s Not How It Happened,” is based in part on his family’s experience.

If you heard our series on the resurgence of the R-word, you’ll recognize Craig’s voice. The conversation with him was so good that we’re sharing more!

For more on this topic

• Preorder Craig’s novel
• Check out Craig’s podcast
• Hear Craig on our R-word episodes, part 1 and part 2

Timestamps

(02:20) Craig’s backstory and current work

(09:45) How Craig relates to the disability community

(13:10) Disability and media depictions 

(29:04) Comedy, the R-word, and why language matters

(39:10) On parenting a child with disabilities

For a transcript and more resources, visit the Hyperfocus page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at hyperfocus@understood.org.

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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