Autism Dadcast

This week Gaz and Andy finally sit down with fellow autism-dad Chris—the guest who famously got stuck in Cardiff last month. He’s juggling three children under five, a 5-year-old son (Kit) with profound autism and mosaic Patau syndrome (mosaic trisomy 13), and the kind of sleep schedule that would scare a Navy SEAL. Expect honesty, gallows humour and a ton of practical hacks.

This week we dive head-first into the internet’s most stubborn rumour: “Do childhood vaccines cause autism?” Spoiler… they don’t — but the guilt, fear and rabbit-holes are real.In this honest, no-filter chat we cover:0:00 – Intro & why this feels risky2:00 – The Google spiral: how new parents meet the myth5:00 – Andrew Wakefield’s infamous 12-kid “study” (and the hidden money trail)10:00 – Massive follow-up research (500k to 14 million children = no link)18:00 – Parental guilt, regression stories & the search for someone to blame26:00 – Genes, environment, plastics, pollution — what might be happening34:00 – Trust issues: Big Pharma, politics & COVID fallout47:00 – Would you press the “remove autism” button? A raw debate52:00 – Take-aways: ditch the blame, back the science, support the kidsPlus: 1960s archive footage that proves autism existed pre-MMR, a shout-out to NeuroSpicy Apparel, and plans for next week’s guest dad.👍 Like, comment, subscribe, and share with anyone still worried about the jab.🔔 New episodes every week — because autistic families need real talk, not click-bait.

Double digits, baby! Episode 10 is here – just the two of us this time, back to basics and diving deep into the absolute mess that's unfolding with EHCP reforms.We’re unpacking:The rumours (and real fears) around scrapping EHCPs in mainstream schoolsSEND units replacing legal protection for autistic kidsHow the government and media are playing divide and conquerMPs doing photo ops while families panicAnd the dark history we really don’t want to go back to…But it’s not all doom. There’s hope and joy too – like Thomas counting to 100 (yes, really!) and Lydia smashing new milestones. We talk about those small moments that hit you like a freight train and why screen time and spoons can be a big deal.This one's raw, funny, furious, and emotional – exactly what this podcast is all about.👇 Drop us a comment, share your thoughts, and join the community. We're all in this together.#AutismDadcast #EHCPReform #SENDCrisis #AutismParenting #Neurodiversity #DadsOfAutisticKids #SpecialNeedsParenting

Welcome to Episode 9.5 of the Autism Dadcast. Yeah, 9.5. Because Gaz forgot to hit record the first time.Luckily, second time was even better.This week we’ve got Ben on — pro wrestler, cancer survivor, autism dad.Ben shares:How being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma at 30 changed his whole outlook on lifeHis “miracle” son Ethan, born against the odds during COVIDThe brutal reality of feeling useless when Ethan was in hospital as a newbornNavigating EHCP chaos (wrong names and all)Choosing special school over mainstreamThe constant fight to get Ethan the right supportMeltdowns in Tesco vs getting body-slammed in the ringHonest chats about denial, guilt, and learning what worksHis wife being “like a dog with a bone” when fighting the local authorityIt’s raw. It’s real. It’s proper dad stuff — the stress, the laughs, the wins that keep you going.If you're a parent of an autistic child, you’ll get it.If you're not, you’ll learn a lot.Hit subscribe and join us every Thursday at 6pm for new episodes.Autism Dadcast: Honest, vulnerable, sometimes funny conversations about fatherhood, autism, and everything in between.Listen on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.#AutismDadcast #AutismParenting #Neurodiversity #SEND #Fatherhood #Podcast

-Jason joins us this week to talk about fighting for his daughter's autism diagnosis – and ending up with one himself.We talk about:- The EHCP process and being that parent who won't stop calling- Navigating mainstream school with selective mutism- Figuring out what's autism and what's learned behaviour in siblings- Meltdowns at the school gate- Trying (and failing) at gymnastics, then finding joy in swimming- Getting an adult autism diagnosis and looking back at childhood- Why dads need something just for them to copeHonest, raw, funny in places, and very real.Watch the full episode and don't forget to subscribe for more real talk about autism parenting.#AutismDadcast #AutismParenting #SEND

This engaging conversation dives into the enchanting world of Mario Kart, showcasing how it becomes a powerful tool for a child’s engagement and communication. Allan shares heartfelt insights about his twins, contrasting Freya's sociability with Magnus's selective interactions. They explore the intricate journey of securing the right educational support and the ups and downs of navigating the EHCP process. Listeners hear about the joys of stimming, the beauty of affection in parenting, and the strengths born from fixations. It's a celebration of the unique joys and challenges of raising autistic children.

Join Gaz and Andy as they dive into the delightful chaos of family outings with an autistic child. They tackle the realities of planning a simple day out, complete with meltdowns, public restroom dilemmas, and the stress of holiday travel. Hear about memorable moments, like a little one's love for music, and the balancing act of technology and screen time. With humor and heartfelt anecdotes, they explore the emotional rollercoaster of parenting, the quest for personal downtime, and the importance of making cherished memories amidst the challenges.

This one’s all about you lot. We put the call out for your questions on Instagram and bloody hell… you delivered.From meltdowns and non-verbal communication to EHCP struggles, relationships, public judgment, and trying to keep a spark alive when you’re both exhausted — we answer it all. Raw, unfiltered, and from two dads who’ve lived it.We get into the hard stuff like feeling isolated, grieving the life you thought you’d have, and what it’s like when one of you wants to push and the other plays it safe. We also share some wins: Crocs as communication, surprise curries, and how sometimes the tiniest moments hit the hardest.Massive thanks to everyone who sent something in — these episodes only work because of you.Keep ’em coming. We’ve got your back.

This one’s raw. We talk about what it really means when your autistic kid doesn’t sleep — not for a few weeks, but for years. From the dread of bedtime to the chaos of 3am wake-ups, we open up about the brutal toll it takes on us as dads, as partners, and as people just trying to survive the next day.Andy shares how sleep deprivation has nearly broken him and his wife, how melatonin has been a mixed bag, and how some nights feel like torture. Gaz opens up about the sleep training routines that helped Thomas — blackout blinds, smart lights, and a bit of dog trainer stubbornness. It worked for them, but it wasn’t easy.We talk about resentment in relationships, that horrible feeling of never catching up, and the desperate things you try when you’re running on empty (yes, we bought the £150 diffuser — no, it didn’t work).It’s not all heavy. There’s laughs, there’s stories about getting smacked in the face with a toy, and there’s even a good bit about grapes.But most importantly, it’s honest. If you’re there now — awake at 2am, scrolling for answers — we see you.

The emotional rollercoaster of receiving an autism diagnosis is explored, with personal stories highlighting the challenges of acceptance. The hosts dive into the broken EHCP system, revealing the struggles and frustrations parents face while navigating bureaucratic hurdles. They discuss the need for urgent reforms and the disparities in funding for supportive education versus incarceration. Raw honesty prevails as they reflect on the long fight for support, reminding listeners they are not alone in this journey.