The Autism Dad

In this episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, I sit down with my 25-year-old autistic son, Gavin, for a candid update on his journey. We talk about his transition out of a group home, what he’s learning along the way, and his hopes for the future. If you’re parenting autistic children or supporting neurodivergent kids as they grow into adulthood, this conversation offers both real-world challenges and encouraging progress. Gavin shares openly about work, housing, self-care, and even his dream of becoming a streamer. These insights matter for families navigating the shift from childhood to adult life with autism. What you’ll hear in this episode: Why Gavin left his group home and what families should look out for The importance of stable hours and fair pay when autistic adults enter the workforce How self-advocacy and job coaching can support independence Gavin’s goals for future housing and financial stability Honest reflections on managing stress and remembering to ask for help His interest in streaming, content creation, and sharing his experiences online The role of grandparents and family support in transitional stages Gavin’s approach to self-care and why he’s trying a massage for stress relief If you’re raising neurodivergent kids, this episode is both relatable and inspiring. It shows the ups and downs of supporting an autistic young adult, while also reminding us how much growth is possible with patience, advocacy, and support. Don’t forget to subscribe to The Autism Dad Podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode. You can also visit theautismdad.com for more autism parenting resources, personal stories, and ways to connect. Sponsors Algonot – NeuroProtek® A brain-supporting flavonoid supplement developed by a Yale-trained neuroinflammation expert. Supports brain health, immune function, and neuroinflammation. Save 5% with code ROB5 at ⁠algonot.com Mightier — Help your kids build emotional regulation skills through play. Save 10% with code theautismdad22 at mightier.com. About Rob Gorski Rob Gorski is the father of three autistic children and the host of The Autism Dad Podcast. As the founder of The Autism Dad blog and podcast, Rob shares his family’s 25-year autism journey to educate, validate, and support parents worldwide. His work has been featured on CNN, ABC News, BBC Worldwide, and the Tamron Hall Show. About Gavin Gorski Gavin Gorski is a 25-year-old autistic adult navigating the challenges of independent living, employment, and personal growth. He brings unique insight into the adult autism experience and shares openly about his goals, struggles, and dreams for the future.

Parenting a child with disabilities often means putting your own needs last. But when you’re running on empty, burnout can take over and everyone feels the impact. In this episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, I talk with Dr. Regina Crone and Julie Hornok, co-founders of Labeled and Loved, an organization devoted to supporting moms raising kids with disabilities. Fresh off their appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Regina and Julie share their personal journeys, how burnout affects moms, and why community, connection, and self-care aren’t luxuries they’re essential for survival. Whether you’re navigating autism parenting, raising a child with ADHD, or managing complex medical needs, you’ll walk away from this episode feeling seen, understood, and supported. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The personal stories that inspired Regina and Julie to create Labeled and Loved The unique challenges and burnout risks for moms raising kids with disabilities How to rebuild community when isolation takes over The importance of celebrating small wins that others might not understand How Labeled and Loved retreats give moms a space to rest, connect, and recharge Tips for finding ongoing support through local and virtual “Sisterhood Circles” Why self-care is not selfish when you’re parenting a child with disabilities How to take the first brave step toward prioritizing your own wellbeing Learn More About Labeled and Loved: Website: https://labeledandloved.org Upcoming Retreat: October 10 - 12, Dallas, TX (Registration closes September 10) About Rob Gorski Rob Gorski is an autism parenting advocate, award-winning blogger, and host of The Autism Dad Podcast. A single father to three autistic children, Rob uses his personal journey to educate, validate, and offer practical support to parents raising neurodivergent kids. His work has been featured by CNN, ABC News, BBC, and more. Learn more at https://theautismdad.com. About Dr. Regina Crone Dr. Regina Crone is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with a lifelong connection to the disability community through her younger brother’s autism diagnosis. She co-founded Labeled and Loved to create the community her family never had, offering retreats, events, and ongoing support for moms raising kids with disabilities. About Julie Hornok Julie Hornok is a speaker, author, and advocate whose daughter was diagnosed with autism shortly after her second birthday. After experiencing the isolation and burnout so many moms of children with disabilities face, she co-founded Labeled and Loved to provide connection, encouragement, and resources for mothers nationwide. Sponsors: REM Ohio: Caring for an adult with developmental disabilities can be overwhelming. REM Ohio’s Shared Living program lets you become a paid caregiver for your loved one, with added support through day programs and group homes. Not caring for a loved one? You can still make a difference as a non-family provider. Part of the Sevita Health network. Learn more at rem-oh.com or call 1-330-644-9730. Mightier: Helping kids learn self-regulation through fun, clinically proven games. Visit mightier.com for more info. Listen & Subscribe Official Website: listen.theautismdad.com

This week, we’re talking about something every autism parent needs to think about—but many don’t until it’s too late: water safety and wandering. If you’ve ever felt the panic of not knowing where your child went or struggled to keep them safe near water, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Dr. Molly O’Shea, a pediatrician with the American Academy of Pediatrics, autism mom, and the official pediatrician for Goldfish Swim School. We explore the very real risks around drowning in the autism community and what parents can do to keep their neurodivergent kids safe—starting as early as infancy. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why autistic children are at significantly higher risk of drowning The connection between wandering and sensory-driven curiosity How kids on the spectrum process water differently Why swim lessons need to start earlier than most parents realize How swim programs like Goldfish adapt to neurodivergent learners Why swimming builds more than safety—it builds confidence and cognitive development What parents can expect from a sensory-friendly swim program If you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Don’t forget to subscribe to The Autism Dad Podcast, leave a review, and check out our amazing sponsors below - your support keeps this podcast going strong. Visit theautismdad.com for more resources, blog posts, and episodes. Sponsors This Week: Algonot – NeuroProtek® A brain-supporting flavonoid supplement developed by a Yale-trained neuroinflammation expert. Supports brain health, immune function, and neuroinflammation. Save 5% with code ROB5 at algonot.com Mightier Created at Boston Children’s Hospital, Mightier helps kids build emotional regulation through biofeedback video games. A helpful tool for autism and ADHD. Save 10% with code theautismdad22 Learn more at mightier.com Guest Bio: Dr. Molly O’Shea is a board-certified pediatrician, autism mom, and the official pediatrician for Goldfish Swim School. With over 30 years of experience, she consults nationally on sensory-friendly care and water safety for kids of all developmental profiles. Goldfish Swim School: goldfishswimschool.com Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single dad to three autistic kids, the voice behind The Autism Dad blog, and host of The Autism Dad Podcast. Rob shares honest, experience-based insights to help families feel more supported and less alone. More from Rob: theautismdad.com

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, I open up about one of the darkest moments of my life—a time when the weight of burnout, single parenting, and undiagnosed ADHD nearly pushed me past the brink. But more importantly, I talk about the moment I chose five more minutes—and how that choice changed everything. Joining me is Dr. Kristen Guillory, a leading voice in men’s mental health and founder of Candid Conversations for Men. Together, we break down what often goes unspoken, especially for dads raising neurodivergent kids. This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a lifeline. If you're a dad feeling like you're carrying the weight of the world or a parent trying to support your partner, this episode is for you.       What We Talk About:      - Why men’s mental health is still a taboo topic—and how we can change that   - What it’s really like to parent autistic children as a solo dad    - The emotional toll of trying to be “strong” all the time   - How societal expectations silence men’s pain  - The moment I considered giving up—and what pulled me back   - How to break the silence and ask for help without shame   - The importance of presence over perfection in fatherhood     - The five-minute rule that can help you survive even the hardest days This Week’s Sponsors: NeuroProtek®Developed by a Yale-trained neuroinflammation expert, NeuroProtek is a brain-supporting flavonoid supplement designed to help with neurological inflammation often seen in autism. Save 5% with code ROB5 at https://algonot.com MightierMightier helps kids with autism and ADHD learn emotional regulation through biofeedback and fun video games. It's a tool I used personally with my own kids, and it made a huge difference. Learn more at https://mightier.com use the code "theautismdad22" and save 10%. If this episode resonates with you, please consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who needs to hear it. Visit listen.theautismdad.com for all episodes and guest info. You’re not alone—there’s always someone listening. Guest Bio: Dr. Kristen Guillory is a former professor of counseling and social work, a speaker, coach, and founder of KSGL Enterprises. She leads “Candid Conversations for Men”—a national initiative providing spaces where men are seen, heard, affirmed, and celebrated. With over 25 events hosted nationwide, Dr. Guillory is changing how we approach men’s mental health. Website: https://kristenguillory.com Instagram: @drkristenguillory Host Bio: Rob Gorski is the founder of The Autism Dad platform and host of The Autism Dad Podcast. A single father to three autistic children, Rob turned his personal journey into a lifeline for other families. He’s been featured by CNN, ABC News, BBC, and more, and his award-winning blog and podcast reach hundreds of thousands of parents seeking hope and support. Website: https://theautismdad.com Instagram: @theautismdad

Need a smile today? This episode is your dose of joy. Aria—my 9-year-old stepdaughter and fan favorite—is back on the podcast and taking over the mic. From overcoming her fear of water to her growing love for Stranger Things and Taylor Swift, Aria is full of heart, humor, and surprises. Stick around to the end for her incredible rendition of “NeverEnding Story.” You don’t want to miss it. Aria shares her world in a way only a neurodivergent kid can. Whether you’re a parent of autistic children or just need a boost of hope, this episode is a reminder that progress comes in many forms—and joy is often found in the little things. Link to Aria's Minecraft Movie Review: https://pod.fo/e/2c91bc What we talk about in this episode: Aria’s 9th birthday update and summer highlights Overcoming fear of water through swim lessons Her experience at bike camp and learning to ride Confidence-building moments and milestones Music class, school talent shows, and performing on stage What it was like to take a photo with the mayor Her love for Stranger Things (with a disclaimer for younger kids) A behind-the-scenes look at our dog Kacie and birthday plans Aria’s live performance of “NeverEnding Story” from Stranger Things Support our amazing sponsors: 🧠 Mama Bird – Brain-focused multivitamins for kids, created by a neurologist mom. Get 20% off your first order: ⁠lovemamabird.com/theautismdad 🎮 Mightier – Help your child learn emotional regulation through video games backed by science. Mightier has been a game-changer for my family. Try it free for 30 days: mightier.com/theautismdad Love what you hear? Subscribe to The Autism Dad Podcast on your favorite app. Check out past episodes and resources at listen.theautismdad.com. Join the conversation on Instagram: @theautismdad Want to support the show or be a guest? Visit theautismdad.com About Rob Gorski: Rob Gorski is an autism advocate, content creator, and father of three autistic sons. He’s the founder of The Autism Dad platform and host of The Autism Dad Podcast. Rob’s mission is to support and empower families raising neurodivergent kids through honest conversations, lived experience, and practical advice. theautismdad.com About Aria: Aria is a vibrant 9-year-old who loves music, dogs, Stranger Things, and making people laugh. She’s been featured in multiple episodes of the podcast and brings her unique perspective and big heart to everything she does. Let me know if you’d like a short social post or YouTube short setup for this episode.

In this powerful conversation, Rob talks with Jennifer Kaufman, educator, and grandmother to an autistic child - about the often overlooked but critical role that grandparents play in the lives of neurodivergent kids. Jennifer shares wisdom from her book Grandparenting on the Spectrum and opens up about navigating her dual role as both a seasoned professional and a grandparent still learning to step back. This episode is a must-listen for parents and grandparents alike who want to create stronger, more supportive relationships without stepping on each other’s toes. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why well-meaning grandparents can unintentionally make things harder—and how to fix that The importance of respecting parental boundaries, even when you “know better” How to build meaningful relationships with autistic grandkids (especially from a distance) Why letting go of old expectations can make room for deeper connection Practical advice for grandparents navigating IEPs, meltdowns, and special routines Tips for handling holidays and vacations with neurodivergent kids The most supportive thing a grandparent can say (and what not to say) How Jennifer’s book can help families communicate, collaborate, and grow together About My Guest: Jennifer Kaufman is an educator, former autism school principal, and author of Grandparenting on the Spectrum: A Journey From Both Sides of the Desk. She’s also the proud grandmother of an autistic child and speaks regularly to grandparent groups about inclusion, understanding, and support. Learn more or connect with Jennifer at: https://www.grandparentingonthespectrum.com Facebook: @GrandparentingOnTheSpectrum Find her book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/40W0L2e About Rob: Rob Gorski is a single dad to three amazing autistic sons and the voice behind The Autism Dad blog and podcast. A nationally recognized autism advocate and keynote speaker, Rob has been featured by CNN, ABC News, BBC, and more. He creates content that supports and validates parents of neurodivergent kids. Learn more at: https://www.theautismdad.com Call to Action: If this episode helped you feel seen, pass it on. Share it with a grandparent, a parent, or anyone helping to raise a neurodivergent child. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and visit: https://www.listen.theautismdad.com for more episodes. You can also support this podcast by checking out our sponsors below. Today’s Sponsors: NeuroProtek® – Brain-supporting flavonoid supplement developed by a Yale-trained neuroinflammation expert. Save 5% with code ROB5 at ⁠https://www.algonot.com. Mightier – Help kids learn emotional regulation through play. Learn more: https://www.mightier.com Use code “theautismdad” for a discount.

When you’re parenting autistic children or kids with high support needs, it’s easy to wonder how it all impacts their siblings. Do they feel forgotten? Overwhelmed? Lost in the shuffle? In this heartfelt episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, I sit down with autism mom Amy Kelly and her adult son Danny for a raw, emotional, and hopeful look at the sibling experience—and why it matters more than we often realize. Amy is a powerhouse in the autism community. She’s the National Director of Family Engagement at Devereux and a longtime advocate for autism support for families. But this episode isn’t about professional titles—it’s about her lived experience as a mom raising profoundly autistic Annie, while trying to meet the needs of her neurotypical sons, including today’s guest, Danny. Danny brings a sibling’s perspective that every parent needs to hear. He opens up about what it was like growing up with a sister who needed constant care, the unspoken pressures siblings carry, and how he’s now leading a national effort to support siblings like him. Whether you’re parenting autistic children or raising neurodivergent kids of any kind, this episode offers valuable insight, encouragement, and a reminder that every child in your home deserves to feel seen. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What it’s really like growing up with a sibling who has autism or profound disabilities Why siblings may feel isolated, unseen, or forgotten—even in loving homes How parents can better balance attention between neurodivergent and neurotypical kids The lifelong bond between siblings, and how it evolves into adulthood Danny’s work creating resources and community through Devereux’s sibling initiative Practical ways siblings can stay connected and prepare for future caregiving roles How autism reshaped (not ruined) their family in powerful ways Why redefining success and independence is key for autistic individuals Subscribe, Support, and Connect: If you found this episode helpful, please consider subscribing to The Autism Dad Podcast on your favorite platform and leave a review to help more families find this content. You can visit theautismdad.com for articles, resources, and updates—or if you’re interested in sponsoring an episode, get in touch. This episode is sponsored by: Mama Bird – Brain-focused kids’ multivitamins designed by a neurologist mom. Get 20% off your first order at lovemamabird.com/theautismdad. Mightier – Help your child build emotional regulation skills through biofeedback video games. Learn more at mightier.com and use the code "theautismdad22" to save 10%. About Rob Gorski (Host): Rob Gorski is a single dad to three autistic sons and the creator of The Autism Dad blog and podcast. He shares real-life stories, insights, and support for parents raising neurodivergent kids. Rob’s work has been featured by CNN, ABC, BBC, and The Tamron Hall Show. Contact: rob@theautismdad.com About Amy Kelly: Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, is the National Director of Family Engagement at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health and mom to three kids, including her daughter Annie, who has profound autism. Amy is a national advocate for disability support, working with organizations like the Autism Care Network and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Contact: amy.kelly@devereux.org About Danny Kelly: Danny Kelly is the older brother of Annie, who has profound autism. He co-chairs Devereux’s Sibling Engagement Committee and serves on the National Family Advisory Board. Danny uses his lived experience to advocate for siblings and inclusive support across the disability community.

Is your child struggling—and you’re not getting answers from “normal” tests? Hit play. This could change everything. In Part 2 of my powerful conversation with Dr. Theoharis Theoharides, we explore how neuroinflammation, mast cell activation, and overlooked biological factors can affect autistic children. We dive into my son Gavin’s journey, how traditional testing failed us, and what we discovered when we looked deeper. If you’ve ever felt dismissed or unsure where to turn next, this episode will give you new hope and direction. Why this matters: Too often, symptoms like gut issues, eczema, or extreme food sensitivity get brushed off. Dr. Theo shares what many pediatricians miss—and how identifying and treating the right things can dramatically improve quality of life for neurodivergent kids. What We Cover: What neuroinflammation means for autistic children How mast cells can impact behavior, speech, and health Why standard labs often miss important clues The difference between food allergies and food sensitivities What to test for—and how those tests can uncover treatable issues Gavin’s personal health journey and the lessons we’ve learned How to support your child without trying to change who they are Why we need real research, not empty promises Sponsor: Mama Bird Mama Bird Kids Multi+ is brain-focused nutrition for neurodivergent kids. Designed by a neurologist and autism mom, these supplements support focus, mood, and learning—without sugar alcohols or artificial dyes. Available in liquid (ages 1+) and gummy (ages 4+). Get 20% off your first order at lovemamabird.com/theautismdad Mightier helps kids learn emotional regulation through fun, biofeedback-powered games. Developed by clinicians at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Mightier is a screen-based program that teaches kids to stay calm under pressure—while they play. USe the code "theautismdad20" to save 10% Learn more by visiting https://theautismdad.com/mightier Enjoying the podcast? Please follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more support, visit theautismdad.com, where you’ll find expert interviews, honest parenting stories, and trusted resources to help your family thrive. Guest Bio: Dr. Theoharis Theoharides Dr. Theo is a renowned physician-scientist and expert on mast cells, allergies, and neuroinflammation. With decades of research and hundreds of publications, he helps families uncover treatable biological conditions often missed in traditional autism care. Learn more at drtheo.com and algonot.com. Host Bio: Rob Gorski Rob Gorski is the father of three autistic children and the creator of The Autism Dad blog and podcast. He’s been sharing his family’s 25-year autism journey to help other parents feel seen, supported, and empowered. Rob’s work has been featured by CNN, ABC News, BBC, and more.

Could neuroinflammation be driving your child’s symptoms? This episode will change how you think about autism and health. In this two-part series of The Autism Dad Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Theoharis Theoharides, one of the world’s leading experts in neuroimmune medicine and mast cell research. We dig deep into how inflammation in the brain—driven by overactive mast cells—can contribute to the struggles many autistic and neurodivergent kids face, including sensory issues, eczema, gut problems, chronic sinus issues, and even regression. Dr. Theo doesn’t just talk theory—he shares actionable steps and science-backed insights that have the potential to improve quality of life for families like ours. I even share some personal stories about my sons, and how this research explains things we’ve experienced for years. Whether your child is dealing with eczema, unexplained aggression, or GI issues, this episode may offer a new lens on what’s going on under the surface—and what you can do about it. In this episode, we discuss: What mast cells are and how they can impact the brain How neuroinflammation may be linked to autism, ADHD, and chronic conditions The surprising connection between eczema and autism Why symptoms like gut issues and behavior changes are often misunderstood The role of vitamin D, folinic acid, and glutathione in autism support How stress can trigger mast cell activation and impact behavior What testing and natural interventions parents can explore How to think critically about supplements and avoid misleading claims This episode is sponsored by Safe Place Bedding Safe Place Bedding provides medically necessary, insurance-covered safety beds that help neurodivergent children sleep safely and securely—at home or while traveling. They’ve just launched the Safe Place 300, a permanent safety bed option with integrated monitoring. Visit https://safeplacebedding.com/theautismdad to learn more. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. You can also visit listen.theautismdad.com for more episodes, resources, and to leave feedback.

Episode Summary: In this powerful and deeply human episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, I sit down with husband-and-wife team Jeremy Dyen and Dr. Mika Gupta, co-founders of Mama Bird, to explore the emotional and transformative journey of parenting a child with Down syndrome. We talk about: Navigating a life-changing diagnosis Finding purpose in unexpected places Supporting your child’s unique needs without losing yourself in the process How their personal journey led to creating brain-focused supplements for kids and families Whether you’re parenting a child with a disability or looking for inspiration from parents who truly get it, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Topics Covered: Birth and diagnosis stories NICU experiences and emotional aftermath Early intervention and the Family Hope Center How Down syndrome changed their worldview Building Mama Bird from lived experience The importance of brain health and nutrition Parenting tips, mindset shifts, and daily struggles Advice for newly diagnosed families This Week’s Sponsors: Mama Bird Support your child’s brain development with Mama Bird Kids Multi+ — made by a neurologist and mom who gets it. These sugar-free, dye-free vitamins are packed with bioactive nutrients that actually cross the blood-brain barrier to help with focus, mood, and learning. Available in gummies or liquid. 👉 Save 20% at lovemamabird.com/THEAUTISMDAD Safe Place Bedding Safe Place Bedding provides medical-grade, customizable, and insurance-covered sleep solutions for children with disabilities. Their new permanent bed model, the SPB 300, includes a built-in monitoring system. Learn more at ⁠https://safeplacebedding.com/theautismdad⁠ Mightier Mightier is a biofeedback-based gaming platform that helps kids learn emotional regulation skills through fun, engaging play. It’s clinically tested and loved by families. Learn how it can support your child at ⁠https://theautismdad.com/mightier⁠ (Use the code theautismdad20 and save 10%) Guest Bios: Dr. Mika Gupta is a board-certified neurologist, autism mom, and co-founder of Mama Bird, a company creating brain-first vitamins and supplements for children and families. Her personal journey raising a child with Down syndrome deeply informs her professional mission. Jeremy Dyen is a musician, dad, and co-founder of Mama Bird. With a background in mindfulness and creative arts, Jeremy brings a unique and compassionate perspective to parenting and product development. Connect with Mama Bird: Visit lovemamabird.com to learn more about their brain-focused supplements for kids and families. Follow The Autism Dad: Instagram Facebook Podcast Website Support the show: If you found value in today’s conversation, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast app.