The Autism Dad

Episode Summary:Join Rob Gorski, The Autism Dad, in a heartfelt conversation with Scott LeRette, author of "The Unbreakable Boy" and father to Austin, a young man with autism and osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Scott shares his family's inspiring journey, discussing the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with unique needs.General Timeframes: Beginning: Scott describes his family's early experiences and the challenges of Austin's dual diagnoses. Mid-episode: Rob and Scott discuss the complexities of the autism community and the importance of acceptance and support. Towards the end: Rob and Scott share their personal experiences and the importance of finding humor and support in their journeys as autism dads. About the Guest:Scott LeRette is an autism dad and the author of "The Unbreakable Boy," a memoir about his family's journey with autism and OI. He's a dedicated advocate for his son, Austin, and has shared his experiences with audiences through his writing and public speaking. Scott's story highlights the power of love, humor, and faith in navigating the challenges of raising a child with unique needs. He's passionate about supporting other families and promoting understanding and acceptance within the autism community. 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. The Unbreakable Boy: The Unbreakable Boy hits theaters on February 21! From the creators of Jesus Revolution and Wonder, this inspiring true story follows Austin, a boy with autism and brittle bone disease, whose joy and resilience transform his family. The film explores faith, hope, and the power of perspective. Don’t miss it! Get your tickets now at https://tickets.theunbreakableboy.movie 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. Visit https://s.mtrbio.com/autism-360-robtheautismdad to learn more. Call to Action: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.comAbout 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 visitinghttps://theautismdad.com.

Join Rob Gorski, The Autism Dad, and grief specialist Sylvia Moore Meyers as they discuss the challenges and strategies for helping neurodivergent kids navigate grief and loss. Sylvia, an autistic mom herself, shares her personal experiences and insights into how we can better support our children during difficult times.General Timeframes: Beginning: Rob and Sylvia discuss the challenges neurodivergent kids face with grief. Mid-episode: Sylvia explains how we can help kids understand and process grief, loss, and trauma. Towards the end: Rob and Sylvia discuss Sylvia's book, Gold Scars, and how it can help families navigate grief. About Sylvia Moore Meyers:Sylvia Moore Meyers is a grief specialist, coach, and author. She is also an autistic mom. She has a Master's degree in human services with a concentration in crisis and trauma and is currently working on her Ph.D. About "Gold Scars: The Truth About Grief, Loss, and Trauma and How to Beautifully Mend":"Gold Scars" is a book about Sylvia's personal experiences with grief, loss, and trauma, including the loss of her child and her own journey of healing. The book also explores the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals when navigating grief. Where to get the book:You can purchase "Gold Scars" from the following retailers: Morgan James Publishing: https://www.morgan-james-publishing.com  Books-A-Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/  Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/  Sylvia recommends purchasing from Morgan James Publishing to support her directly.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. The Unbreakable Boy: The Unbreakable Boy hits theaters on February 21! From the creators of Jesus Revolution and Wonder, this inspiring true story follows Austin, a boy with autism and brittle bone disease, whose joy and resilience transform his family. Starring Zachary Levi and Meghann Fahy, the film explores faith, hope, and the power of perspective. Don’t miss it! Get your tickets now at https://tickets.theunbreakableboy.movie 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: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.comAbout 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 visitinghttps://theautismdad.com.

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.comAbout 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.

Episode Summary:In this episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Taylor Day, a licensed child psychologist specializing in autism evaluations and therapy via telehealth. We dive into the growing accessibility of remote autism evaluations, how telehealth compares to in-person assessments, and how it helps families stuck on long waitlists. Dr. Day shares insights from her personal and professional experiences, the importance of supporting the whole family, and why we must shift the conversation around parental emotions and autism diagnoses.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:• How telehealth is transforming autism evaluations• Why remote assessments can be just as effective as in-person visits• The role of parental emotions and why grief and acceptance can coexist• How parents can navigate diagnosis waitlists and start supporting their child now• The importance of presuming competence in autistic childrenAbout My Guest:Dr. Taylor Day is a licensed child psychologist specializing in autism evaluations and therapy. She brings a unique perspective as both a clinician and a sibling of an autistic individual. Through her practice, she helps families across the U.S. access telehealth evaluations and support services without long wait times.Connect with Dr. Taylor Day:• Website: DrTaylorDay.com• Instagram: @the.dr.tay• Podcast: Evolved with Dr. TaySponsor Message:This episode is brought to you by: 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. 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%. Resources & Links:• Learn more about autism evaluations via telehealth → DrTaylorDay.com• Follow me on Instagram → @theautismdad• Join my private online parenting support group → Join Here• Subscribe to my podcast for more episodes like this → Listen on Your Favorite PlatformSupport the Show:If you enjoy The Autism Dad Podcast, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or sharing this episode with your community. Your support helps more families find the resources they need!

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Autism Dad Podcast! In this episode, host Rob Gorski sits down with Sara Hast, an autism mom and advocate, to discuss her family’s unique journey. Sara shares her heartfelt experiences of raising two autistic children, navigating a late autism diagnosis during the pandemic, and the challenges of postpartum depression while parenting.Key highlights include: The role of the community in overcoming isolation and rebuilding confidence. Sara’s journey into advocacy and creating her inclusive clothing brand, Hashtags, promoting acceptance for all. The emotional impact of systemic delays in autism evaluations and how Sara turned frustration into empowerment. A raw and honest look at parenting challenges, including teaching self-advocacy, handling bullying, and fostering independence. Why bridging differences in the disability community leads to collective strength and understanding. Rob and Sara explore the power of sharing stories, the importance of meeting kids where they are, and finding joy in everyday triumphs. Whether you're an autism parent or want to learn from different perspectives, this episode is packed with insights, validation, and hope. Listen now and join the conversation about building a more inclusive, compassionate world.Links and Resources:- Connect with Sara on Instagram: @Sara_Hast_- Check out Sara's clothing line, Hashtags: @HastHouse- Follow Rob Gorski for more inspiring content: theautismdad.comThis Week's Sponsors:Safe Place BeddingSleep 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.Circle Care ServicesCircle 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.MightierMightier 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%.

Episode Summary:In this episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, Rob Gorski sits down with Jacqueline Baker, a BCBA and Market Leader at Action Behavior Centers, to discuss the transition to adulthood for autistic children. Together, they explore personal and professional insights and offer valuable advice to parents navigating this complex journey.Rob reflects on his experiences as a father of three autistic sons, two of whom are now adults, and shares lessons learned, mistakes made, and practical strategies for preparing kids for independence. Jacqueline provides a clinical perspective, emphasizing the importance of fostering autonomy, life skills, and resilience from an early age.Key topics include:·        - The importance of preparing for adulthood early.·        - Balancing independence with the necessary support.·        - Addressing misconceptions about autism and abilities.·        - School placement options and navigating the IEP process.·        - Building a collaborative approach between families and educators.·        - The role of self-care for parents and caregivers.Whether you’re a parent at the beginning of this journey or further along, this episode is packed with actionable advice and heartfelt stories to inspire and guide you.Resources Mentioned:- Action Behavior Centers: Learn more about their Academy program and support for autistic children.- The Autism Dad Podcast: Explore more episodes and resources for autism parenting.Connect with Us:Host: Rob Gorski - The Autism DadGuest: Jacqueline Baker, BCBA (Action Behavior Centers)Call to Action:If you enjoyed this episode or found it helpful, please share it with your friends, leave a review, or tag us on social media! Your support helps us create more valuable content for families like yours.This Week's Sponsors:Safe Place BeddingSleep 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.MightierMightier 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%.

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 ServicesCircle 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 360Autism 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 360Learn More: MightierMightier 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%.

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 ServicesCircle 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.GrokkoliHey 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.

In this episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, host Rob Gorski speaks with Sarah Pearson, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at Circle Care Services, to shed light on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy in 2024. For many parents of autistic children, ABA therapy is a crucial consideration, yet it can be shrouded in controversy and misinformation. Sarah demystifies ABA, explaining how it has evolved and how today’s approach is centered on individualized, ethical support tailored to each child’s needs.Topics Covered:- Sarah’s Background: Sarah shares her journey from special education teaching to becoming a BCBA, driven by a passion to help kids on the autism spectrum reach their full potential.- Addressing ABA Controversies: Sarah discusses common misconceptions, including the outdated view that ABA is solely compliance-based. Instead, ABA in 2024 focuses on empowering children to gain independence through scientifically-backed, personalized methods.- Inside ABA Therapy: Sarah explains what ABA sessions look like today, from morning routines to skill-building exercises designed to increase independence and reduce parental stress. Parent involvement is highlighted as a key factor in maximizing ABA’s effectiveness.- Behavior Management: Aggressive behaviors are addressed thoughtfully, with Sarah explaining how ABA now emphasizes understanding the root cause rather than simply suppressing symptoms.- ABA Therapy as a Transitional Tool: Sarah clarifies that ABA is not necessarily a lifelong intervention. The goal is to provide children with the skills to navigate life independently, ultimately phasing out services when appropriate.- Choosing the Right BCBA: Rob and Sarah stress the importance of finding a BCBA who aligns with a family’s values and is receptive to feedback. They emphasize open communication, advocacy, and finding the right fit for each unique situation.Why This Episode Matters:For parents exploring therapy options, this episode offers a balanced perspective on modern ABA, encouraging informed decision-making. Sarah provides guidance on how to spot red flags, what to expect in sessions, and the importance of a collaborative, supportive therapeutic environment.Connect with Circle Care Services:Circle Care Services operates in New Jersey and Georgia, offering a range of services, including ABA therapy, parent support groups, and social skills programs. Circle Care ServicesAbout Sarah Pearson:Sara Pearson is a dedicated Special Development Coordinator and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at Circle Care Services, where she has been making a positive impact for the past three years. With a Master of Arts in Special Education, specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis from Seton Hall University, Sara is skilled in working with school-aged children, primarily in private and public educational settings.Follow Rob Gorski: Website: https://www.theautismdad.comInstagram: @TheAutismDadToday's Sponsors:Dani PlanIntroducing 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.Autism 360Autism 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 360Learn More: MightierMightier 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%.

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.comTakeaway: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 PlanIntroducing 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.