Autism Dadcast

This week, Gaz and Andy get into the chaos behind what most people call "a nice day out."

Whether it’s a quick trip to the park or the dream of a family holiday, when you’ve got an autistic child, it’s never just that simple.
From public toilet refusals and changing nappies in the middle of Telford Town Park, to weighing up whether a flight to Dubai is worth the stress — they talk through it all.

The meltdowns, the judgment, the moments that break you — and the small wins that make it just about worth it.

If you’ve ever planned five backup options for one day out, or said “not yet” to a holiday because you know how hard it’ll be — this one’s for you.

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.

This week, we’re talking official diagnoses – the moment it becomes real on paper. Andy shares Lydia’s recent confirmation, and Gaz reflects on his emotional response when Thomas got his.But that’s just the start…We dive deep into the broken EHCP system – the hoops, the heartbreak, and the absolute madness behind 98% of tribunals being won by parents. Why are we forcing families through years of stress for something the system knows they need?Expect raw honesty, some very personal stories (including setting our kids up to fail just to prove they need help), and hard truths about trusting the system.If you’re battling for support, feeling lost, or just need to know you’re not alone – this one’s for you.👉 Drop your story in the comments or messages. We’re building this together.#EHCP #AutismDiagnosis #SENDCrisis #ParentingAutism #AutismDadcast #NeurodivergentFamilies #RealTalk

In Episode 2 of the Autism Dadcast, Gaz and Andy open up in the rawest way yet. What started as a place to vent and find sanity has quickly become a lifeline for other dads—and mums—navigating the world of autism parenting.This episode explores:

• The moment of acceptance—and the emotional fallout that comes with it

• How grief shows up in unexpected ways when parenting an autistic child

• The emotional toll on relationships and the tough conversations couples face

• That feeling of isolation… and why dads especially struggle to talk • The power of the comments section and how strangers helped shift their perspective

• Practical advice on gathering evidence early and preparing for the EHCP process

• A heartfelt look at the recent EHCP reforms and the fear it’s causing in the SEND communityExpect tears, laughter, F-bombs, and honest truths.

This isn’t a podcast about having the answers. It’s about finally asking the questions out loud—and finding out you’re not the only one thinking them.

Watch. Reflect. Share. Comment.

Let’s keep the conversation going.

#AutismDadcast #AutismParenting #SEND #EHCP #MentalLoad #ParentingUnfiltered

In the very first episode of Autism Dadcast, Gaz and Andy introduce themselves and share their personal stories as fathers of autistic children. They discuss how their kids were diagnosed, the struggles and breakthroughs they’ve experienced, and the raw, unfiltered emotions that come with navigating life as autism dads.

From the shock of the initial diagnosis to the confusion of navigating educational choices, Gaz and Andy explore the unexpected challenges of parenting autistic children. They talk about the myths they’ve encountered, the misguided advice they’ve been given, and the difficult but necessary process of acceptance.

But it’s not all heavy – with their natural sense of humour, they bring laughter even to the toughest stories. Whether it’s dealing with a messy house, figuring out how to communicate with non-verbal children, or surviving a chaotic Christmas, Gaz and Andy keep it real.

This episode is a mix of relatable stories, honest confessions, and heartfelt advice for anyone walking the same path. If you’re a parent of an autistic child, you’ll find a place where you’re not alone. And if you’re just curious, this is a raw, insightful look into the world of autism parenting from a dad’s perspective.

Tune in for an honest, heartfelt, and sometimes hilarious conversation about what it really means to be an autism dad.