The Autism Dad

By Rob GorskiHealth & Fitness Mental Health Parenting Kids & Family

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The Autism Dad episodes

May 09, 2022 My Conversation with Temple Grandin (feat. Dr. Temple Grandin) S5E10
*** Join my free online community to discuss this episode: click here ***
Dr. Temple Grandin is here today to help parents prepare their autistic kids for the workforce. This is so important as our kids get older. Temple has a ton of very specific advice, insight, and experience that she will share over the next 30 minutes.
We also talk about helping to manage our kid’s sensory needs.
Temple is an amazing human being, and I was lucky enough to sit down with her at The National Converge Autism Summit by Springbrook Autism Behavioral Health in Greenville, South Carolina. It was such an honor to meet her, and I learned so much from our time together.
You can find more information about Temple Grandin by clicking here
As mentioned, you can find Kate Swenson’s book Forever Boy here.
You can find me here.
This episode is sponsored by:
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn More About Mightier
Mightier is a clinically proven mobile gaming app that was developed at Boston Children’s Hospital.
It’s already helped more than 100,000 kids, including my crew here at home. Kids play on a tablet or a phone while wearing a heart rate monitor. And Mightier incorporates breathing exercises and other calming techniques as part of the game. Kids get to see when it’s time to cool down and learn how to do it themselves. And parents get to track their progress. Visit mightier.com and use the promo code "theautismdad22" at checkout to save 10%.
Visit Mightier
Learn More About zPods
zPods is the first U.S.-based company to provide kids with a customizable, sensory-friendly sleeping pod. These regenerative spaces come jam-packed with features such as intelligent lighting control, white noise generation, Bluetooth speakers, and more. With these tools, we believe that children can find better sleep, which means parents can sleep better as well.
Visit https://zpods.tech fro more information.
Visit zPods
Learn More About Tracto
Tracto is a free app that is all about empowering parents to better understand and meet the unique needs of their kids with autism, ADHD or anxiety. Tracto does this by easily allowing for the collaborative tracking of behaviors over time.
Parents can invite teachers or anyone else they want to help document behavioral changes. Not everyone sees the same things because every environment is different. Being able to document behaviors in realtime, prevents having to pull from memory later on, making it more accurate, and reliable information.
Tracking things like sleep patterns, medication-related behavioral changes, behaviors in the classroom, or anything else that parents of these amazing kiddos need to keep an eye on, can be challenging. Simply put, Tracto makes it easy.
All tracking and collaboration functions to this app are completely free.
They also offer affordable online courses, taught by leading experts if you’re interested in learning some new parenting skills yourself. They’re short videos that will teach you new parenting approaches and help you gain more insight into your child.
You can get more information about Tracto at tracto.app. Or check out the Google Play or Apple app store. Use the code “theautismdad” at checkout and save 30% off your online course order.
Visit Tracto

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31 min
April 25, 2022 The Ultimate Guide to Understanding and Avoiding Parental Burnout (feat. Dr. Searcy-Pate) S5E9
My guest today is Dr. Searcy-Pate and we're having a very important discussion about parental burnout. In this episode, we're going to discuss the risk factors, signs, and symptoms of burnout. As well as what to do if you're experiencing it, and how you can do to reduce your risk.
Please share this episode with your friends and loved ones.
Background:
Dr. Searcy-Pate earned both her graduate degrees in Clinical Psychology from Johns Hopkins University and Jackson State University. In addition, she completed specialized training in child/pediatric psychology at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota as well as the Department of Defense. As a Child/Pediatric Health Psychologist and credentialed diabetes mental health provider by the American Diabetes Association, she collaborates with parents, schools, primary care providers, and specialty providers to provide assessment, therapy, and consultation services.
Get more information and connect with Dr. Searcy-Pate at the link below.
searcypediatrics.org
Find me at listen.theautismdad.com
Mentioned in this episode:
BrainyAct
BrainyAct® provides tech-enabled, patent-pending therapy programs delivered via gamification for neurological disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and ADHD. BrainyAct activates the underdeveloped areas of the brain through exercises that strategically target a child’s balance, gravity, gross/fine motor, rhythm and timing, visual motor perception, and memory.
Putting hope in motion means putting your family first in everything we do and using movement to affect real change. Shifting hope to a reality.
91% of families report global brain improvements after four months.
Our company was built on the premise to create real, measurable, and visible change that shows you how your child is improving through data.
BrainyAct is for homes and schools. Visit Kinuu.com. Use promo code THEAUTISMDAD and save $500. This is a limited time offer.
Visit BrainyAct
Happy Ladders
Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home
Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler.
To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now.
Visit Happy Ladders
The Calm Compass
Check out these courses:
The CALM Compass is a practical parenting tool that has four directions for you to choose (CONNECT, ARTICULATE, LIFT and MOVE). Each of these directions points you towards specific skills and strategies you will use in everyday situations. For instance, how to respond to a meltdown; how to prepare and plan for problems; or how to help mediate challenging transitions.
Visit thecalmcompass.com and use the code "theautismdad" to save 10%
Visit The Calm Compass

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34 min
April 18, 2022 Autistic Voices (feat. Sam Mitchell of Autism Rocks and Rolls) S5E8
My guest today is Sam Mitchell. Sam is a 19-year-old young man who is college bound, majoring in media and entrepreneurship. He found his niche and love in podcasting in high school when he joined his high school's media club. Podcasting became his passion and he started his own, Autism Rocks and Rolls.
Sam and I have a great conversation about all of the amazing things he's doing with Autism Rocks and Rolls.
You can find Sam at:
https://autismrocksandrolls.com
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn More About Mightier
Mightier is a clinically proven mobile gaming app that was developed at Boston Children’s Hospital.
It’s already helped more than 100,000 kids, including my crew here at home. Kids play on a tablet or a phone while wearing a heart rate monitor. And Mightier incorporates breathing exercises and other calming techniques as part of the game. Kids get to see when it’s time to cool down and learn how to do it themselves. And parents get to track their progress. Visit mightier.com and use the promo code "theautismdad22" at checkout to save 10%.
Visit Mightier
Happy Ladders
Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home
Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler.
To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now.
Visit Happy Ladders

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25 min
March 28, 2022 Listening to Autistic Adults (feat. Dennis Procopio) pt1 S5E7
My guest today is Dennis Procopio. Dennis is a life coach for men and an autism Dad. He's been on the show a few times and he's here today to talk about Dad stuff and share some autism parenting stories. This is a great conversation and ends up going to a place I hadn't seen coming. Dennis opens up about his personal journey raising his son and learning more about himself. ☺
Find Dennis:
MAN-UP! Life Coaching
About Rob Gorski:
All my information and relevant links are here
Support this podcast: venmo.com/theautismdad

Mentioned in this episode:
BrainyAct
BrainyAct® provides tech-enabled, patent-pending therapy programs delivered via gamification for neurological disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and ADHD. BrainyAct activates the underdeveloped areas of the brain through exercises that strategically target a child’s balance, gravity, gross/fine motor, rhythm and timing, visual motor perception, and memory.
Putting hope in motion means putting your family first in everything we do and using movement to affect real change. Shifting hope to a reality.
91% of families report global brain improvements after four months.
Our company was built on the premise to create real, measurable, and visible change that shows you how your child is improving through data.
BrainyAct is for homes and schools. Visit Kinuu.com. Use promo code THEAUTISMDAD and save $500. This is a limited time offer.
Visit BrainyAct

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
31 min
March 21, 2022 Parenting with Purpose (feat. Mitch Leppicello, LICSW) S5E6
I'm excited to bring you another episode about empowering parents to better help their autistic children. My guest today is Mitch Leppicello. Mitch is a social worker who's spent decades working with autistic kids and their families. Mitch has used his experience to create a program called The Calm Compass. The Calm Compass is an online resource for parents of autistic children, helping them to better navigate difficult situations, as well as gain insight, and outside-of-the-box solutions for everyday challenges. I'm a huge fan of empowering parents and unfortunately, many of these things weren't available to me when I was first starting out. The Calm Compass is a fantastic resource for parents and I hope you enjoy the show.
Learn more about Mitch and The Calm Compass by clicking here.
Find me at theautismdad.com

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Mentioned in this episode:
Tracto
Tracto is a free app that is all about empowering parents to better understand and meet the unique needs of their kids with autism, ADHD or anxiety. Tracto does this by easily allowing for the collaborative tracking of behaviors over time.
Parents can invite teachers or anyone else they want to help document behavioral changes. Not everyone sees the same things because every environment is different. Being able to document behaviors in realtime, prevents having to pull from memory, later on, making it more accurate, and reliable information.
Tracking things like sleep patterns, medication-related behavioral changes, behaviors in the classroom, or anything else that parents of these amazing kiddos need to keep an eye on, can be challenging. Simply put, Tracto makes it easy.
All tracking and collaboration functions to this app are completely free.
They also offer affordable online courses, taught by leading experts if you’re interested in learning some new parenting skills yourself. They’re short videos that will teach you new parenting approaches and help you gain more insight into your child.
Visit tracto.app and use the code “theautismdad” at checkout and save 30% off your online course order.
Visit Tracto
BrainyAct
BrainyAct® provides tech-enabled, patent-pending therapy programs delivered via gamification for neurological disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and ADHD. BrainyAct activates the underdeveloped areas of the brain through exercises that strategically target a child’s balance, gravity, gross/fine motor, rhythm and timing, visual motor perception, and memory.
Putting hope in motion means putting your family first in everything we do and using movement to affect real change. Shifting hope to a reality.
91% of families report global brain improvements after four months.
Our company was built on the premise to create real, measurable, and visible change that shows you how your child is improving through data.
BrainyAct is for homes and schools. Visit Kinuu.com. Use promo code THEAUTISMDAD and save $500. This is a limited time offer.
Visit BrainyAct

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
33 min
March 09, 2022 How BrainyAct improves quality of life for autistic kids (feat. Dolly Lowery) S5E5
My guest today is Dolly Lowery. Dolly is the CEO and Founder of a company called Kinuu. She's here to talk about their program called BrainyAct and how it's literally changing the lives of autistic kiddos and adults. This is a perfect example of technology being used to improve quality of life. This is so cool and I can't wait for you to hear this. I love bringing information to you that can help or at least inform you as to things that are currently available to help your family. ☺ ♥
About Dolly:
As an entrepreneur and hard worker, my underlying passion is to look for ways to make the world a better place. I had a successful 20+ career selling software and services in the US and Europe. After losing two siblings to brain cancer, I co-founded and launched Gilda’s Club Twin Cities, a place for families living with Cancer. As a Mom of three kids, I became familiar with the growing epidemic of neurological based learning challenges, such as ADHD and Dyslexia. With over 1200 clinic visits, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to juggle demanding schedules and I was determined to find a way for families to have a program that was effective, affordable and convenient. After years of research combined with my background in technology, I assembled a team with the perfect combination of heart and experience to launch Kinuu. Together we will restore hope for families so that every child can achieve beyond what they dreamed possible and to truly believe in themselves.
Learn more about BrainyAct and get information to provide your school or local community center: Kinuu.com
Check out these short videos:
https://vimeo.com/kinuu/brainyact3moms
https://vimeo.com/kinuu/sciencebehindbrainyact

You can find me at theautismdad.com

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Mentioned in this episode:
Learn More About Shelley Kenow
I know how frustrating and scary and overwhelming IEP meetings can be. I want to connect you with my friend, Shelly Keno. She is an IEP coach with over 30 years of experience in special education.
IEP meetings don't have to be scary. It's so important that we empower ourselves with knowledge and insights so that we can better navigate these difficult situations and work together with the school for the betterment of our kids.
So if you're interested in learning about what Shelley does visit shelleykenow.com, and use the code, "theautismdad" to save $7 off of an IEP review.
Visit Shelley Kenow
Learn More About Mightier
Mightier is a clinically proven mobile gaming app that was developed at Boston Children’s Hospital.
It’s already helped more than 100,000 kids, including my crew here at home. Kids play on a tablet or a phone while wearing a heart rate monitor. And Mightier incorporates breathing exercises and other calming techniques as part of the game. Kids get to see when it’s time to cool down and learn how to do it themselves. And parents get to track their progress. Visit mightier.com and use the promo code "theautismdad22" at checkout to save 10%.
Visit Mightier

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27 min
February 28, 2022 Tyson's Run (feat Actor Major Dodson and Writer/Director Kim Bass) S5E4
I'm so excited about this week's episode. I was recently able to screen the upcoming film Tyson's Run. It's an inspirational family film about an autistic boy named Tyson, who decided he wants to run a marathon in order to repair his family. It's such a good, family film and it releases in theaters nationwide on March 11th.
My guests today are Major Dodson, who plays Tyson, and Kim Bass. who wrote and directed the film. They stopped by the pod to talk about the inspiration behind Tyson's Run, what it was like filming it, and what lessons they learned along the way. This was such a fun experience for me and I can't wait for you to listen.
Tyson's Run is rated PG and will release in theaters nationwide on March 11th.
Learn more about the film Tyson's Run and view the trailer by clicking here.
Check out Major Dodson on IMDb by clicking here.
Check out Kim Bass on IMDb by clicking here.

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Mentioned in this episode:
Learn More About Mightier
Mightier is a clinically proven mobile gaming app that was developed at Boston Children’s Hospital.
It’s already helped more than 100,000 kids, including my crew here at home. Kids play on a tablet or a phone while wearing a heart rate monitor. And Mightier incorporates breathing exercises and other calming techniques as part of the game. Kids get to see when it’s time to cool down and learn how to do it themselves. And parents get to track their progress. Visit mightier.com and use the promo code "theautismdad22" at checkout to save 10%.
Visit Mightier
Learn More About Trail Magik
Communing with nature is one of the best methods of self-care available, and hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy nature.
If you’re a parent who enjoys hitting the trails with your little ones, you’re already aware that toddlers will walk some of the journey and want carried the rest of the way. There are tons of contraptions for carrying babies while on the trails, but what about those in between, toddler years? You don’t want to bring a big bulky carrier for a kid who’s only going to use it some of the time.
The Trail Magik Kid Carrier solves that problem and does so brilliantly.
Invented by a Dad who wanted to take his 3-year-old backpacking. It’s for kiddos 12 months up to 43 pounds. The carrier attaches onto hiking backpacks and durable daypacks that have a waist strap & upper loaders. Weighing less than 10oz, it’s so portable, you can stuff it into the side of your backpack when not in use. It’s a game-changer for the "outdoor adventure family" community.
For more information, visit TrailMagik.com.
Use the code "theautismdad" at check out and save 10% of your order.
Visit Trail Magik

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33 min
February 22, 2022Tracto is a free app that helps parents better support their autistic kids (feat Augmental Technologies) S5E3
My guests today are Herman Lintvelt and Michael (Fox) van der Linde of Augmental Technologies (Pty) Ltd. They created a FREE app called Tracto that is empowering parents to better support their autistic kids. I love bringing you resources that can help improve your families the quality of life. It's even more satisfying for me when something is as affordable as free.
Check out this episode and let me know if you have any questions..
You can find more information about Tracto at tracto.app
Guest bios and contact info:
Herman Lintvelt

Role: Founder, CEO, CTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hermanlintvelt/

Herman Lintvelt has more than 20 years experience in creating software products, and in growing productive software teams. He has been involved in various startups over the last number of years. He specializes in initiating projects; growing the software architecture and team structure so both can start lean, and scale when it needs to. He is passionate about using technology to develop products that empowers people.

Michael (Fox) van der Linde

Role: Founder, Chief Product Officer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfoxsa/

Michael has 11 years of technology product management and entrepreneurship experience. During this period he has managed various local and international technology product portfolios ranging from digital health and telematics. He also has extensive experience in managing technology product roadmaps within various company maturity levels, from start-up, scale-up and NYSE listed company environments.

Michael is passionate about addressing meaningful problems by leveraging software, hardware, data science, design and business model innovation.

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Mentioned in this episode:
Happy Ladders
Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home
Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler.
To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now.
Visit Happy Ladders
Just two Dads Podcast
Shawn Francis and Brian Altounian host "Just two Dads." A weekly conversation with two dads about raising children with special needs. Listen, every Wednesday at 12PM PST. Find them on Facebook and anywhere you get your podcasts.
Just two Dads Podcast

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33 min
February 14, 2022 The Parent-Led Approach to ABA Therapy (feat. Amy Schroeder) S5E2
My guest this week is Amy Jacobs Schroeder, mom of five, and Founder of Happy Ladders. Happy Ladders is a play-based skills curriculum, community, and coaching platform created to empower parents of children with developmental needs, including autism. Amy spent the last two decades providing in-home autism services to families, the latter half focused solely on a parent-led model through her own agency before creating Happy Ladders.
Amy and I have a conversation about the benefits of the parent-led approach to ABA therapy.
About Amy:
She’s also the author of the Parent-Led Revolution (parent-led.com).
To learn more about Amy and Happy Ladders, visit happyladders.com.
Find me at theautismdad.com.

Mentioned in this episode:
Learn More About Mightier
Mightier is a clinically proven mobile gaming app that was developed at Boston Children’s Hospital.
It’s already helped more than 100,000 kids, including my crew here at home. Kids play on a tablet or a phone while wearing a heart rate monitor. And Mightier incorporates breathing exercises and other calming techniques as part of the game. Kids get to see when it’s time to cool down and learn how to do it themselves. And parents get to track their progress. Visit mightier.com and use the promo code "theautismdad22" at checkout to save 10%.
Visit Mightier
Learn More About Shelley Kenow
I know how frustrating and scary and overwhelming IEP meetings can be. I want to connect you with my friend, Shelly Keno. She is an IEP coach with over 30 years of experience in special education.
IEP meetings don't have to be scary. It's so important that we empower ourselves with knowledge and insights so that we can better navigate these difficult situations and work together with the school for the betterment of our kids.
So if you're interested in learning about what Shelley does visit shelleykenow.com, and use the code, "theautismdad" to save $7 off of an IEP review.
Visit Shelley Kenow

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
33 min
February 07, 2022How active shooter and lockdown drills are traumatizing our kids (feat. Avery Hamill) S5E1
I recently discovered my autistic kids are having to do active shooter and lockdown drills at school. I was caught off guard because my kids are in a school for autistic kids and kids with other learning disabilities. I had no idea this was happening and I wanted to learn more. I found so many stories about how traumatizing these drills are for kids in general. Concerned, I wanted to speak to someone who has experienced these first hand. As parents we need to be aware of what our kids are experiencing and how they are being impacted.
In honor of National Gun Violence Survivors Week, I wanted to have a conversation about this.
I'm connected with Shannon Watts on Twitter. Shannon is the founder of Mom's Demand Action and is leading the fight for gun safety. I asked if I could speak with someone about this and she delivered. My guest today is Avery Hamill. Avery is a senior in high school, a Student Demands Action volunteer and Students Demand Action National Advisory Board member. Avery literally took time out of his school day to talk about what it's like to experience active shooter and lockdown drills first hand. He also shares why they're so traumatizing to kids and what can be done to help reduce the impact. As a parent, this interview really hit me hard and I'm so grateful to have connected with Avery.
Some heros don't wear capes and some are still in high school..
You can follow and support Avery on Twitter by clicking here.
You can find more information about Students Demand Action, Mom's Demand Action, and Everytown below:
Research report on the Impact of Active Shooter Drills in Schools

Students Demand Action

Mom's Demand Action

Everytown

Text "READY: to 644-33 to join the movement of Americans working together to end gun violence and build safer communities."

More information about National Gun Violence Survivors Week

Find me at listen.theautismdad.com
All my information can be found here

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Mentioned in this episode:
Learn More About Mightier
Mightier is a clinically proven mobile gaming app that was developed at Boston Children’s Hospital.
It’s already helped more than 100,000 kids, including my crew here at home. Kids play on a tablet or a phone while wearing a heart rate monitor. And Mightier incorporates breathing exercises and other calming techniques as part of the game. Kids get to see when it’s time to cool down and learn how to do it themselves. And parents get to track their progress. Visit mightier.com and use the promo code "theautismdad22" at checkout to save 10%.
Visit Mightier

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
29 min