In this episode of the Inchstones Podcast, host Sarah Kernion sits down with Shahriar Afshar, autism parent and founder of the Autism Innovation Lab, to explore how technology, community, and unconditional love are reshaping the future of autism parenting and neurodiversity support.

Together, Sarah and Shahriar discuss the emotional layers of parenting a child with autism—from grief and resilience to acceptance and hope. They unpack the gendered differences in how mothers and fathers process their child’s diagnosis, the growing role of AI in autism care, and how innovation can help families better navigate the daily realities of profound autism and caregiving.

This conversation blends empathy with forward-thinking solutions, revealing how collaboration between parents, technologists, and advocates can create a more inclusive autism community rooted in understanding, connection, and love.

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