The Autism Dad

In this solo episode, I dive into a topic that’s been weighing on my heart—validation in the autism community. There’s a growing divide between those who see autism as a superpower and those who experience it as a significant disability. Both perspectives are valid, but we need to recognize that no single experience defines autism.

Key takeaways:

• Autism exists on a vast spectrum, and no two experiences are alike.

• Some individuals thrive and see autism as a strength, while others face profound challenges.

• We must validate and respect all perspectives without dismissing or diminishing anyone’s experience.

• Parents and autistic individuals alike should be able to share their personal journeys without fear of judgment.

• Unity within the autism community is crucial to advocating for better understanding and support.

Many parents and autistic individuals feel unseen when their experiences are dismissed. Whether autism is empowering or disabling, every perspective matters. By supporting each other and allowing diverse narratives to coexist, we can create a more inclusive and understanding world.

Connect with me: TheAutismDad.com

Join my private parenting support group: theautismdad.com/support

Listen Now:

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Contact me at theautismdad.com/contact.

Let’s continue this conversation. What’s your experience with validation in the autism community? Drop your thoughts in the comments or tag me on social media.

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Thanks for tuning in. See you next week.

If you’re looking for a safe, comfortable, and travel-friendly sleeping solution for your autistic child, check out Safe Place Bedding. Their durable, inflatable safety beds help create a secure sleep environment at home or on the go. Designed by special needs parents, these beds offer peace of mind and better rest for the whole family.

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Divorce is never easy, and when neurodivergent children are

involved, the challenges can be even more complex. In Part 1, we explored the

unique difficulties of co-parenting neurodivergent kids, the importance of

routine and consistency, and strategies for reducing trauma and increasing

stability.

Now, in Part 2, we’re tackling listener-submitted questions about co-parenting,

communication struggles, and how to help kids through the transition. Dr. Mikki

Lee is back to provide expert guidance, and I share personal lessons learned

from my own experience. Whether it’s handling different parenting styles,

managing transitions between households, or navigating co-parenting

disagreements, this episode is all about practical solutions that prioritize a

child's well-being.

- How to talk to kids about divorce in a way they understand

- Easing transitions between households to reduce stress and

anxiety

- What to do when co-parents have different parenting styles

- How to handle resistance to change in neurodivergent kids

- Why therapy is essential for both parents and children

post-divorce

- The importance of self-care for parents and setting

healthy boundaries

- Lessons learned: What I wish I had done differently

Dr. Mikki Lee is a licensed psychologist and certified

school psychologist based in New York City. She specializes in working with

neurodivergent children and their families, offering psychological testing and

therapy to help support children with autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities.

- Learn more about Dr. Mikki Lee: https://drmikkilee.com

- Visit The Autism Dad website for more resources:

https://www.theautismdad.com

- Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/TheAutismDad

- Like my page on Facebook:

https://facebook.com/TheAutismDad

- Join my private parent support group:

https://theautismdad.com/support

- Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-autism-dad/id1450723980

- Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0Kl8mzCI7sYHzLNVhmRWTo?si=-J4WsX96Sx20HKtBxl3fuQ

- Official Podcast Website: https://listen.theautismdad.com

Give your child the gift of better sleep with Safe Place

Bedding’s travel-friendly, sensory-friendly sleep solutions.

Visit: https://safeplacebedding.com/theautismdad

This inspiring film about resilience and love hits theaters

on February 21st!

Get your tickets now: https://tickets.theunbreakableboy.movie

Mightier helps kids self-regulate emotionally through

biofeedback-based video games.

Learn more & save 10% with code 'theautismdad22': https://www.mightier.com

If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a

review, and share it with someone who might benefit. Your support helps bring

more resources to families like yours. Thanks for being here, and I’ll talk to

you next week!

Divorce is never easy, and when neurodivergent children are involved, the challenges can be even more complex. In this episode, I open up about my own divorce for the first time and discuss how it has affected me as a parent. My kids will also be sharing their experiences in future episodes because they deserve a voice in this conversation.

Joining me today is Dr. Mikki Lee, a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist with extensive experience working with neurodivergent children and their families. Together, we explore the unique challenges of co-parenting neurodivergent kids, the importance of routine and consistency, and strategies to help families navigate transitions with less trauma and more stability.

This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Next week, we’ll be answering your questions about co-parenting and divorce in neurodivergent families.

Key Topics in This Episode

• The impact of divorce on neurodivergent kids and why their experience may differ from neurotypical children

• Common co-parenting challenges and why different parenting styles become more apparent post-separation

• Why consistency is key and how small differences like bedtime routines can create stress

• Setting expectations while balancing empathy and structure

• Why parents often overcompensate out of guilt and how this can backfire

• The importance of self-care for parents and why you need to take care of yourself to be the best parent possible

Guest Bio

Dr. Mikki Lee is a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist based in New York City. She specializes in working with neurodivergent children and their families, offering psychological testing and therapy to help support children with autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities.

Learn more about Dr. Mikki Lee at DrMikkiLee.com.

Resources & Links

• Learn more about Dr. Mikki Lee: DrMikkiLee.com

• Visit The Autism Dad website for more resources: TheAutismDad.com

• Follow me on Instagram: Instagram.com/TheAutismDad

• Like my page on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheAutismDad

• Join my private parent support group: TheAutismDad.com/Support

Listen & Subscribe

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-autism-dad/id1450723980

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Kl8mzCI7sYHzLNVhmRWTo?si=-J4WsX96Sx20HKtBxl3fuQ

• Official Podcast Website: https://listen.theautismdad.com

Next Week:

In Part 2, we’ll be answering listener questions about co-parenting, communication struggles, legal considerations, and helping kids through the transition. Stay tuned.

This weeks sponsors:

If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with anyone who might benefit. Your support helps bring more resources to families like yours.

A big thank you to our sponsors for their support:

Episode Summary:

Join Rob Gorski, The Autism Dad, in a heartfelt conversation with Scott LeRette, author of "The Unbreakable Boy" and father to Austin, a young man with autism and osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Scott shares his family's inspiring journey, discussing the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with unique needs.

General Timeframes:

About the Guest:

Scott LeRette is an autism dad and the author of "The Unbreakable Boy," a memoir about his family's journey with autism and OI. He's a dedicated advocate for his son, Austin, and has shared his experiences with audiences through his writing and public speaking. Scott's story highlights the power of love, humor, and faith in navigating the challenges of raising a child with unique needs. He's passionate about supporting other families and promoting understanding and acceptance within the autism community. 

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:

Call to Action:

Subscribe to The Autism Dad Podcast on your favorite podcast listening app. For more information on The Autism Dad Podcast, to share feedback, to be a guest, or inquire about sponsorship opportunities visit https://listen.theautismdad.com

About the Host:

Rob Gorski is The Autism Dad, a passionate advocate for autism awareness and acceptance. He shares his experiences and insights on his podcast and website. Connect with him by visiting

https://theautismdad.com.

Join Rob Gorski, The Autism Dad, and grief specialist Sylvia Moore Meyers as they discuss the challenges and strategies for helping neurodivergent kids navigate grief and loss. Sylvia, an autistic mom herself, shares her personal experiences and insights into how we can better support our children during difficult times.

General Timeframes:

About Sylvia Moore Meyers:

Sylvia Moore Meyers is a grief specialist, coach, and author. She is also an autistic mom. She has a Master's degree in human services with a concentration in crisis and trauma and is currently working on her Ph.D. 

About "Gold Scars: The Truth About Grief, Loss, and Trauma and How to Beautifully Mend":

"Gold Scars" is a book about Sylvia's personal experiences with grief, loss, and trauma, including the loss of her child and her own journey of healing. The book also explores the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals when navigating grief. 

Where to get the book:

You can purchase "Gold Scars" from the following retailers:

Sylvia recommends purchasing from Morgan James Publishing to support her directly.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:

Call to Action:

Subscribe to The Autism Dad Podcast on your favorite podcast listening app. For more information on The Autism Dad Podcast, to share feedback, to be a guest, or inquire about sponsorship opportunities visit https://listen.theautismdad.com

About the Host:

Rob Gorski is The Autism Dad, a passionate advocate for autism awareness and acceptance. He shares his experiences and insights on his podcast and website. Connect with him by visiting

https://theautismdad.com.

Join Rob Gorski, The Autism Dad, in a conversation with Dr. Pamela Feliciano, Scientific Director of SPARK for Autism. Dr. Feliciano, an autism mom herself, shares her personal journey and insights into SPARK's groundbreaking research. Discover how SPARK is connecting families with researchers to accelerate breakthroughs in autism understanding and support. Learn how you can get involved and contribute to this vital initiative.

General Timeframes:

Links:

Special thanks to our sponsors:

Call to Action:

Visit SPARKforAutism.org today to learn more and join the movement!

Subscribe to The Autism Dad Podcast on your favorite podcast listening app. For more information on The Autism Dad Podcast, to share feedback, to be a guest, or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, visit https://listen.theautismdad.com

About the Host:

Rob Gorski is The Autism Dad, a passionate advocate for autism awareness and acceptance. He shares his experiences and insights on his podcast and website. Connect with him by visiting https://theautismdad.com.

In this episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Taylor Day, a licensed child psychologist specializing in autism evaluations and therapy via telehealth. We dive into the growing accessibility of remote autism evaluations, how telehealth compares to in-person assessments, and how it helps families stuck on long waitlists. Dr. Day shares insights from her personal and professional experiences, the importance of supporting the whole family, and why we must shift the conversation around parental emotions and autism diagnoses.

• How telehealth is transforming autism evaluations

• Why remote assessments can be just as effective as in-person visits

• The role of parental emotions and why grief and acceptance can coexist

• How parents can navigate diagnosis waitlists and start supporting their child now

• The importance of presuming competence in autistic children

Dr. Taylor Day is a licensed child psychologist specializing in autism evaluations and therapy. She brings a unique perspective as both a clinician and a sibling of an autistic individual. Through her practice, she helps families across the U.S. access telehealth evaluations and support services without long wait times.

• Website: DrTaylorDay.com

• Instagram: @the.dr.tay

• Podcast: Evolved with Dr. Tay

This episode is brought to you by:

• Learn more about autism evaluations via telehealth → DrTaylorDay.com

• Follow me on Instagram → @theautismdad

• Join my private online parenting support group → Join Here

• Subscribe to my podcast for more episodes like this → Listen on Your Favorite Platform

If you enjoy The Autism Dad Podcast, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or sharing this episode with your community. Your support helps more families find the resources they need!

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Autism Dad Podcast! In this episode, host Rob Gorski sits down with Sara Hast, an autism mom and advocate, to discuss her family’s unique journey. Sara shares her heartfelt experiences of raising two autistic children, navigating a late autism diagnosis during the pandemic, and the challenges of postpartum depression while parenting.

Key highlights include:

Rob and Sara explore the power of sharing stories, the importance of meeting kids where they are, and finding joy in everyday triumphs. Whether you're an autism parent or want to learn from different perspectives, this episode is packed with insights, validation, and hope.

Listen now and join the conversation about building a more inclusive, compassionate world.

Links and Resources:

- Connect with Sara on Instagram: @Sara_Hast_

- Check out Sara's clothing line, Hashtags: @HastHouse

- Follow Rob Gorski for more inspiring content: theautismdad.com

Safe Place Bedding

Sleep is a major challenge for many families in our community, and Safe Place Bedding can help. Their sensory-friendly, enclosed beds are perfect for kids with unique needs, and they make it easy to get permanent beds covered by insurance. Plus, their new travel bed ensures better sleep anywhere.

Visit safeplacebedding.com/theautismdad to save 10% and give your child the gift of better sleep—because every family deserves a good night’s rest.

Circle Care Services

Circle Care Services offers personalized ABA therapy for children with autism in New Jersey and Georgia, providing support at home, in daycares, or clinics. Their skilled team partners with parents to build confidence and unlock each child’s potential.

Visit circlecareservices.com or call (877) 460-1104.

Mightier

Mightier helps kids self-regulate emotionally through biofeedback-based video games. Learn more and get a discount at Visit Mightier. Use code “theautismdad22” to save 10%.

In this episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, Rob Gorski sits down with Jacqueline Baker, a BCBA and Market Leader at Action Behavior Centers, to discuss the transition to adulthood for autistic children. Together, they explore personal and professional insights and offer valuable advice to parents navigating this complex journey.

Rob reflects on his experiences as a father of three autistic sons, two of whom are now adults, and shares lessons learned, mistakes made, and practical strategies for preparing kids for independence. Jacqueline provides a clinical perspective, emphasizing the importance of fostering autonomy, life skills, and resilience from an early age.

Key topics include:

·        - The importance of preparing for adulthood early.

·        - Balancing independence with the necessary support.

·        - Addressing misconceptions about autism and abilities.

·        - School placement options and navigating the IEP process.

·        - Building a collaborative approach between families and educators.

·        - The role of self-care for parents and caregivers.

Whether you’re a parent at the beginning of this journey or further along, this episode is packed with actionable advice and heartfelt stories to inspire and guide you.

- Action Behavior Centers: Learn more about their Academy program and support for autistic children.

- The Autism Dad Podcast: Explore more episodes and resources for autism parenting.

Host: Rob Gorski - The Autism Dad

Guest: Jacqueline Baker, BCBA (Action Behavior Centers)

If you enjoyed this episode or found it helpful, please share it with your friends, leave a review, or tag us on social media! Your support helps us create more valuable content for families like yours.

Safe Place Bedding

Sleep is a major challenge for many families in our community, and Safe Place Bedding can help. Their sensory-friendly, enclosed beds are perfect for kids with unique needs, and they make it easy to get permanent beds covered by insurance. Plus, their new travel bed ensures better sleep anywhere.

Visit safeplacebedding.com/theautismdad to save 10% and give your child the gift of better sleep—because every family deserves a good night’s rest.

Mightier

Mightier helps kids self-regulate emotionally through biofeedback-based video games. Learn more and get a discount at Visit Mightier. Use code “theautismdad22” to save 10%.

In this compelling episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, host Rob Gorski speaks with Amanda Lukof, a sibling to a brother with autism and the co-founder of Eleplan. Amanda provides a unique perspective on growing up alongside a neurodivergent sibling, highlighting the emotional dynamics, challenges, and triumphs that shaped her life.

This heartfelt conversation explores the often-overlooked experiences of neurotypical siblings in autism families. Amanda candidly shares her journey, from the early days of her brother Liam’s diagnosis to how those experiences inspired her to create Eleplan. This groundbreaking platform simplifies caregiving through AI-driven solutions. Together, Rob and Amanda dive deep into family dynamics, sibling responsibilities, and the vital role of technology in caregiving.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

- Insight into the sibling experience of autism families.

- The emotional challenges faced by caregivers and siblings alike.

- How Eleplan leverages AI to streamline caregiving and enhance family support.

Whether you're a parent, sibling, or caregiver, this episode offers validation, practical tools, and inspiration for your own journey.

Rob Gorski, *The Autism Dad*, is a trusted advocate for families raising autistic children. As a father to three autistic sons, Rob has dedicated his life to providing support, education, and validation to parents navigating similar paths. Through his award-winning blog, podcast, and social media platforms, Rob continues to be a guiding voice in the autism community.

Amanda Lukof is the CEO and co-founder of Eleplan, a digital care planning platform designed to simplify caregiving for families of neurodiverse individuals. As the older sister to Liam, a 27-year-old with autism, Amanda draws from her personal experiences to advocate for better caregiving tools and resources. Her work empowers families to navigate caregiving with compassion, efficiency, and a touch of technology.

- Learn more about Eleplan: eleplan.com

- Connect with Amanda Lukof on LinkedIn: Amanda Lukof

- Explore Rob’s resources for parents: The Autism Dad

- Special Offer: Enjoy 3 months of Eleplan for free with the code provided in this episode!

- Subscribe to *The Autism Dad Podcast* on your favorite podcast platform.

- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

- Share this episode with friends or family who may benefit.

- Visit eleplan.com to explore how Eleplan can support your caregiving journey.

Circle Care Services

Circle Care Services offers personalized ABA therapy for children with autism in New Jersey and Georgia, providing support at home, in daycares, or clinics. Their skilled team partners with parents to build confidence and unlock each child’s potential.

Visit circlecareservices.com or call (877) 460-1104.

Autism 360 is a neuro-affirming app for parents of autistic children, offering 24/7 expert guidance, personalized plans, and practical support for daily challenges. Trusted by thousands, it provides affordable, real-time help. Use the code “theautismdad” to save 10%

Autism 360

Mightier helps kids self-regulate emotionally through biofeedback-based video games. Learn more and get a discount at Visit Mightier. Use code “theautismdad22” to save 10%.