The Autism Dad

On this week's Parenting Q&A episode, the question I answered was "How do I talk to my daughter when she's been excluded from something because she's different?" Such a great question and I had a really hard time answering this because it hit really close to home for me and I get pretty emotional thinking about this. It's a tough question to answer but I did my best and I also talk about the importance of parents raising their kids to be loving, accepting, tolerant, inclusive, and empathetic little humans.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.

In this week's PSA episode, we dive into the inspiring collaboration between Easterseals SoCal and Angels Stadium with Alyssa Kavner, VP of Clinical Training and Quality at Easterseals. Explore how this partnership is revolutionizing the game-day experience, creating a more sensory-friendly environment that ensures baseball, America's favorite pastime, becomes a more inclusive and accessible event for everyone. Don't miss this exciting discourse on progress and inclusion.About Alyssa Kavner:Alyssa Kavner, MA, BCBA, with a decade in Autism Services leadership, currently serves as VP of Clinical Training and Quality at Easterseals SoCal. She oversees the IDEA department, focusing on reducing disparities in access and workforce diversity, and removing barriers to service access. Alyssa also leads community outreach and partnership development efforts across Southern California, including consultation with Angels Stadium for inclusive practices. Her expertise lies in training, cultural shift support, and staff mentorship.Further Information on ESSC Resources & Activities  Email ESSCIDEA@essc.org Angels Accessibility Informationhttps://www.mlb.com/angels/ballpark/accessibility-guideAbout 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, a revolutionary solution for those seeking relief from anxiety, stress, and the symptoms of ADHD and sensory processing disorder, commonly associated with autism. The Original Weighted Pillow offers a huggable, compact and improved alternative to traditional weighted blankets.Created by Mikey Goldman, who has long struggled with ADHD and anxiety, The Original Weighted Pillow is designed to act as a companion, especially for kids. It’s super easy to grab and go, so, it’s always there when you need a boost of calm. The Original Weighted Pillow provides a personal hug, acting as a tool to promote calmness whenever you need it. Unlike bulky weighted blankets, this ultra-soft pillow is easy to move, and won’t cause you to overheat or feel claustrophobic.The Quiet Mind Pillow utilizes the science of Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS), delivering the same emotional, cognitive, and physical benefits as a weighted blanket. It offers a compact, portable, and versatile solution for anyone seeking a natural way to unwind. It is particularly beneficial for children with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorder. The Quiet Mind Pillow is like a stress ball for your body, providing relief and relaxation. Just Hold it, hug it, and quiet your mind. For more information, visit onequietmind.com and use the code “theautismdad” at checkout to save 15%

On this weeks Listener Questions Series episode, you asked me to talk about how to help autistic kids navigate a major life change like divorce. This is a complex issue and every situation is different. That said, I focus on 3 really important things that can help your autistic child adjust to something as life altering as divorce.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%

I’m currently renovating my studio and instead of taking this week off, I wanted to share a really inspiring interview I did with Nikki White on my Spcial Needs Ohio podcast. Nikki White is from Raising Raymie on Instagram and Facebook. Nikki is here to talk about her autism parenting journey, and share what life is like for her amazing family, from her perspective.About Nikki White: Nikki is a wife and mother of 3. She created the Raising Raymie pages to help further autism acceptance in honor of her 5 year old son Raymie, who was diagnosed with severe non-speaking autism and all those just like him. She was recently published in The Gratitude Journal created by Amanda Owen, for Mom's of children with disabilities trying to find joy in the tough days.FacebookInstagramAbout 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!

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_autismAbout 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@laurensflackAbout 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.

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.

Join us in this enlightening episode as we sit down with Dr. Whitney Casares, a renowned pediatrician, accomplished author/spokesperson with the American Academy of Pediatrics, and mother to an autistic child. She brings to the table not only her professional expertise but also her personal experience navigating the world of autism. Dr. Casares tackles your most pressing questions about sleep hygiene, revealing practical strategies to improve your child's sleep routine. Plus, she delves into the subject of melatonin, demystifying its role, benefits, and considerations. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or educator, this episode is packed with insights that could transform bedtime from a struggle to a breeze. Don't miss it!About Dr. Whitney Casares:Pediatrician, autism mom, and author of The Working Mom Blueprint: Winning at Parenting without Losing Yourself (American Academy of Pediatrics; May 11, 2021). She also founded Modern Mommy Doc where her mission is to help working moms break the cycle of burnout in parenting and shift their focus to their own health and well-being so they can create a sense of balance that fosters greater joy in every area of their lives.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/Mentioned in this episode:Quiet Mind:Introducing The Original Weighted Pillow by Quiet Mind, a revolutionary solution for those seeking relief from anxiety, stress, and the symptoms of ADHD and sensory processing disorder, commonly associated with autism. The Original Weighted Pillow offers a huggable, compact and improved alternative to traditional weighted blankets.Created by Mikey Goldman, who has long struggled with ADHD and anxiety, The Original Weighted Pillow is designed to act as a companion, especially for kids. It’s super easy to grab and go, so, it’s always there when you need a boost of calm. The Original Weighted Pillow provides a personal hug, acting as a tool to promote calmness whenever you need it. Unlike bulky weighted blankets, this ultra-soft pillow is easy to move, and won’t cause you to overheat or feel claustrophobic.The Quiet Mind Pillow utilizes the science of Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS), delivering the same emotional, cognitive, and physical benefits as a weighted blanket. It offers a compact, portable, and versatile solution for anyone seeking a natural way to unwind. It is particularly beneficial for children with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorder. The Quiet Mind Pillow is like a stress ball for your body, providing relief and relaxation. Just Hold it, hug it, and quiet your mind. For more information, visit onequietmind.com and use the code “theautismdad” at checkout to save 15%Learn More About MightierMightier 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.

So many of you have been asking for help managing meltdowns and Mightier is the best way for help kids learn the skills they need to avoid them in the first place. In this weeks episode, I share a remastered interview with Dr. Jason Kahn, PhD. Jason is developmental psychologist, Chief Science Officer, and Co-Founder at Mightier. I originally recorded this during COVID and but the information about Mightier is absolutely relevant today. Learn how Mightier uses biofeedback based video games to help kids learn to emotionally self-regulate.Learn More About MightierRead My Mightier Review and the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order.About Dr. Jason Kahn, PhD: Dr. Jason Kahn, PhD is the Chief Science Officer and co-founder at Mightier. He combines his expertise in developmental psychology and mental health to create video games that help children build emotional strength: the ability to harness their emotions to overcome behavioral challenges. Dr. Kahn also holds an appointment at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, where he creates and researches new technology addressing acute problems in pediatric mental health.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:Kimberly Charles, Master IEP Coach:If you find yourself dreading your child's upcoming IEP meeting, feeling unsure of your role at the IEP table, or sensing that your voice is not being heard by the school, Kimberly Charles, Master IEP Coach can help.As a former educator, with over 20 years of experience, Kimberly possesses the expertise to navigate the IEP process with you. She will serve as your trusted guide, answering your questions and ensuring your concerns receive the attention they deserve during IEP meetings. Kimberly's vast experience will help address any educational challenges your child may be experiencing.As an IEP Coach, Kimberly's mission is to foster good communication and positve relationships between parents and their child's IEP team. Together, you will collaborate to explore innovative solutions that effectively meet your child's unique needs. The goal is to empower you, the parent, with the tools and strategies necessary to advocate for your child's education successfully.  Kimberly can help regardless of where you live in the United States and offers everyone a free 30 minute consultation. Sometimes that first 30 minutes is all it takes to overcome a problem. If you still need help, Kimberly is extending an exclusive offer for my listeners. Use the code “autism dad” and save 10% off your first consultation package. For more information or to schedule your free, 30 minute consultation, visit kimberlyjcharles.com.GoallyGoally 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.

In this week's episode, I speak with Ethan Sack about his autism parenting journey. Next week I speak to his wife and learn about her experience from her perspective. It's really interesting how people can experience the same thing differently.About Ethan Sack:Ethan graduated from Parchment High School in 2001 and worked in the grocery business/food manufacturing until 2022 when I joined my wife’s business as co-owner of our adult foster care facility that we run out of our home. We currently live in Lakeview, Michigan and I have 3 children, Camron (17), Hayleigh (5), and Brigham (2). 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 HogletThe 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 MightierMightier 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.

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_autismAbout 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@laurensflackAbout 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 HogletThe 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 MightierMightier 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.