In Episode 15 of Autism Dadcast, we’re joined by Michael Hibberd — former AFL premiership player turned firefighter — as he opens up for the first time about life as a dad to Sunday, his four-year-old daughter with profound autism.

We chat about the early red flags, diagnosis, meltdowns in public, the emotional gut-punch of milestone checklists, and the unexpected joy in small wins (like hearing “Mum” for the first time).

Michael shares how nothing — not pro sport, not firefighting — prepared him for the relentlessness of autism parenting. But he also talks about humour, resilience, and the importance of getting on the same page as your partner early on.

This one’s raw, relatable, and full of the stuff most people don’t say out loud.

Timestamps

0:00 – Meet Michael

1:22 – From footy to firefighting

3:00 – Finding the podcast

4:45 – About Sunday

10:00 – Early signs & missed milestones

13:00 – Diagnosis & the toll of the system

18:00 – Early intervention & therapy

21:00 – Public meltdowns & anxiety

26:00 – Small wins that hit different

30:00 – Food issues & sensory quirks

33:00 – Routine, sleep & locks on doors

36:00 – Funding, NDIS & red tape

40:00 – Why nothing prepares you

44:00 – Friends, family & being understood

49:00 – Advice for other dads

55:00 – The good, the bad & the [literal] ugly

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