The Autism Dadvocate Podcast

In thisepisode, Paul interviews Manisha Lad, who is the Founder of The Sensory Pathway Center in New Jersey.  Just in time for Mother's Day, Manisha shares her journey as the mother of an autistic son, and how it propelled her to found her own non-profit to help other moms (and Dads) on their autism journeys.   Paul and Manisha discuss the following: Akhil' s diagnosis at a very young age What Manisha learned about Akhil and his autism Akhil’s broken silence: a new journey begins Managing emotions and remaining positive during difficult times How Akhil's insights helped Manisha find even more interventions  Akhil's journey to college

Within the autism community, parents often navigate the complex comorbidities associated with autism, including mental health issues.   The latest Autism Dadvocate podcast shares one father’s journey with autism, love and ultimately - grief.  My guest is this episode is Robert Hubbard, whose latest book - Scenes with my Son - shares his courageous story.   Paul and Robert discuss the following: Robert's journey as a father with his son's autism diagnosis How Auggie's autism progressed as a child and as a teenager Auggie's comorbidity with mental health Robert's personal journey with faith

Burnout...........we hear this term everywhere…….office workers, nurses, teachers, police officers, working Moms…  but is the phenomena of burnout different for parents with autistic kids? The answer may surprise you (and it’s a resounding yes).   Within the autism community, parents navigate therapy appointments, IEP meetings, endless calls with health insurance companies, meltdowns, special diet needs, and creating a sensory-safe environment for their kids.   In this episode, Paul discusses burnout with Christopher MacLellan, CEO of the Whole Care Network – an organization dedicated to promoting care and support to families or anyone in a caregiving role.   Paul & Christopher discuss the following   -Why addressing burnout matters -The impacts of burnout if not addressed -Strategies and tips for minimizing burnout -Manageable self-care tips that don’t take lot of time or money

Our current US Surgeon General – Vivek Murthy – recently stated that loneliness in the U.S  has become epidemic, and is as detrimental to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.   Within the autism community, this isolation is particularly pervasive amongst fathers of children on the spectrum……   In this episode, Paul and Andrew Horn, CEO of Tribute and Executive Men’s Coach, discuss the following: Why isolation, disconnectedness and loneliness is so prevalent amongst men in our society Why addressing isolation and seeking a community matters….. Strategies and tips for addressing isolation and loneliness 3 steps to making deeper connections “Go first” “Authenticity & vulnerability” Persistence and tenacity - meaningful connections do take time

As Dads, we want the best for our kids, right?  However, when we as Dads set neurotypical standards for our neurodiverse kids, we are not being good Dads.  In fact, we’re doing just the opposite.   In this podcast, Paul interviews Jude Morrow, CEO of Neurodiversity Training International, author, and TedX speaker.   They discuss the unique dynamics between neurotypical Dads and neurodiverse kids   Paul and Jude discuss the following: Jude’s own journey and diagnosis Parenting practices that derailed Jude’s adolescence Common assumptions Dads make about their autistic kids When Dads should intervene, and when Dads need to back off Top Three Mistakes that Dads typically make with their kids

What if you were the father of two autistic children, only to be diagnosed with autism yourself at the age of 41?   This is the compelling story of Jeremy Rochford.    In the latest Autism Dadvocate podcast, I interview Jeremy Rochard.  Jeremy is an author, TedX speaker, weight loss coach, standup comedian, and all-around amazing (and funny!) guy.    We discuss his fascinating journey with autism, which includes: His weight loss journey - 200 lbs! His foray into stand-up comedy His children’s diagnosis His own autism diagnosis His advice and insights to other autism dads   Please join us for an organic (and very humorous) conversation between these two Dads.

80-85% of young autistic adults are unemployed and underemployed………………………………………   It doesn’t have to be this way. …..   Many organizations are now incorporating neurodiversity as a part of their broader DEI efforts.  Furthermore, there is deeper awareness and support for neurodiverse employees in the workplace.    Nonetheless, young autistic adults face immense challenges as they enter the workforce.  Please join Paul as he engages in an animated discussion with Becca Lory Hector on this topic.  Becca is not only the Founder of Truly Inclusive Leadership, an organization dedicated to supporting and integrating disabled employees in the workplace, but she herself was diagnosed with autism at the age of thirty-six.   Paul and Becca discuss the following: · Common challenges autistic employees face in the workforce · What autistic employees can do to self-advocate in the workplace · Reasonable accommodations that organizations can make that benefit of their neurodiverse workers · How Dads can effectively prepare their autistic kids to transition into the workforce

For children with autism, masking is a social survival strategy.   There is often pressure on autistic children to perform social behaviors that are considered “normal “ or neurotypical. Some children hide their neurodiverse behaviors in order to fit in.   Regardless of its positive intentions, masking can lead to serious health consequences, such as depression, anxiety, autistic “burnout”, and even suicidal ideation.   In this podcast, Paul is joined by Shane Sale, Neurodivergent Specialist and father of an autistic daughter.  They enter into an animated discussion on this critical topic.   Paul & Shane discuss the following: How our autistic children typically “mask” their behavior What the progressive stages of masking are The differences between girls and boys when it comes to masking (and why it is so pervasive amongst autistic girls) The long-term impacts of masking on our kids’ health How Dads can support their kids in this area

75-80% of marriages with an autistic child end in separation or divorce.  This often-cited statistic (though open to dispute), nonetheless reveals the challenges of a marriage with an autistic child. In this podcast episode, Paul engages in a lively and organic conversation with a panel of professionals on this topic, including Jeremy Hamburgh and Ilana Smith of mybestsociallife.com, as well as Dr. Stephanie Holmes, a NeuroDiverse Marriage Specialist. The panel discusses the following: The phenomena of martial strain, separation, and divorce within the autism community (why is it so prevalent in our community?) The most common areas of strife with married couples of autistic children What Dads need to know about maintain healthy constructive dialogue with their wives/partners Where Dads can find additional resources on this topic

Need a little inspiration?  Then, listen to the compelling story of Debra Vines, who was introduced by Holly Robinson Peete as a 2022 Top 10 CNN Hero at the CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute last December.   Debra shares her personal journey as the Mom of an autistic son, which includes isolation, mental health challenges, addiction, and even incarceration.   Paul and Debra discuss the following: Debra’s personal journey as the mother of as an ASD son Her struggles with obtaining therapies for her son, and the impact on her mental health & well-being The creation and mission of theanswerinc.org Deb’s personal observations – are there differences in the experience of Moms raising ASD kids, versus Dads? Deb’s creation of ”Just for Men” a support group for fathers of children with autism, and what we’re planning for Autism Awareness month in April

25-30% of autistic children are minimally verbal or do not speak at all, although this is not a reflection of their intellectual ability.     For their Dads, it is critical they seek out augmentative or alternative communication methods, such as speech therapy.   In this podcast, Paul interviews Lenora Edward, Chief Knowledge Officer of Better Speech, a leading online speech therapy provider for ASD kids.   Lenora and Paul engage in a broader discussion on the impact of speech delays with autistic children.   Paul and Lenora discuss the following: Why do (some) autistic children struggle with speech? What are some early indicators of potential speech delays? What initial steps should Dads take when they identify a speech delay with their children? What are some common speech therapies employed to help autistic children?

2022 is coming to a close.  In this short solo podcast (the first one in quite some time), Paul reflects back on 2022, invites the Autism Dadvocate community to look ahead to 2023, and ends the episode with an exciting announcement.   Paul discusses the following: Past episodes from 2022 (and why they mattered) Future topics for 2023 that the Autism Dadvocate community has asked Paul to go deeper on – which include marital strain, unemployment / underemployment of autistic workers, and underestimating our kids’ abilities The sobering death of Stephen “tWitch” Boss - and why this matters to the Dadvocate community A big announcement for 2023

What if everything we know about parenting is wrong?  Neurotypical styles are handed down and applied to our autistic kids.    In this podcast, Paul interviews Orion Kelly, Founder of the YouTube channel “That Autistic Guy” – with over 42,000 subscribers.   Orion is not only the father of an autistic son, but was diagnosed himself with autism after becoming a father.   We discuss Orion’s  experiences and advice on raising (not parenting) an autistic child.   Please join us for an organic (and highly charged!) conversation on this topic between an Australian and an American Dad.

Part of our role as fathers is to prepare for our children’s future - their care, their education, their independence, and what they’ll do when we’re gone.  For fathers of autistic children, these issues become even more important. Paul joins Andrew Komarov, Founder of Planning Across the Spectrum, in an active discussion around what fathers need to know about finances and financial planning for their autistic children.   Paul and Andrew discuss the following: · The biggest challenges young autstic adults face when it comes to finances · Unique tools and financial assets for ASD kids, e.g. ABLE account · Estate planning decisions that Dads must make · What can Dads do (and should do) to prepare their ASD kids for financial independence

You’ve noticed how much your son or daughter loves interacting Alexa.  She is unflinching in her patience in answering any questions your autistic child asks her, even helping to build your child’s conversational skills. In this podcast, Paul interviews Dr. Zamora Olin, an expert in Digital Transformation and Data Analytics.  Dr. Olin provides an overview of the role that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can play in the development of our autistic kids.    She is not only the parent of an ASD son, but the Founder of “Thrive with ARTIE”, an app designed to help children and teens with autism master the skills they'll need to be successful after High School, including interpersonal skills and money management.   Paul and Dr. Olin discuss the following: · Dr. Olin’s journey before and after her son’s diagnosis with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) · The role of AI in the development of our ASD children · How children can benefit from AI in the areas of personal finance, health & wellness, workplace skills, personal safety, and career management. · The driving factors that led to Dr. Olin creating the Thrive with Artie app

80-85% of autistic adults are unemployed or underemployed……………………………………… This is the statistic that keeps me awake at night. Young autistic adults face immense challenges - and yes, even discrimination - as they enter the workforce.  Paul enters into a lively discussion on this topic with Rebecca Beam, CEO & Founder of Zavikon, an organization dedicated to matching neurodiverse candidates with employers who believe inclusion is the future.   Paul and Rebecca discuss the following: · Common challenges ASD adolescents face as they enter the workforce · How ASD workers can self-advocate in the workplace · Small accommodations that supervisors and managers can make on behalf of their neurodiverse workers · What Dads can do to prepare their kids to enter the workforce

After a diagnosis, and on top of the swirl of emotions you’re feeling, there are a multitude of decisions to make – specialists to meet with, therapies to pursue, leaving most Dads feeling overwhelmed and confused.   In this podcast, Paul interviews autism Dad Justin Nahama.  Justin provides a unique perspective to our community based on his career as a Marine veteran, former federal prosecutor, business attorney, and strategic advisor to mental-health leaders such as Deepak Chopra and foundations who serve the Navy SEAL and special operations community.   In addition to currently serving as Deepak Chopra's COO, Justin founded the company NuroLux, an organization dedicated to empower families impacted by autism and the professionals supporting them.    He is not only the parent of an ASD son, but experienced the paralysis many of us Dads face after our child’s diagnosis, leading to his creation of Nurolux.  Justin goes deep into his personal and transformational journey as the father of an ASD son.   Paul and Justin discuss the following: · Justin’s reaction to his son’s diagnosis and Justin's mental-health challenges while supporting his son. · Things Justin wished he knew earlier based on his battles with insurance providers, school districts, and other professionals during his journey · Powerful mental-health perspectives for Dads based on lessons learned from Justin's work with Deepak Chopra and the Navy SEAL community.    · The catalysts in Justin’s life that led to his vision for Nurolux

In this podcast, Paul interviews Jeremy Hamburgh, Founder of “My Best Social Life” – an organization dedicated to providing strategies that give young adults with autism the confidence and skill to meet new people and attract them into their life.   They discuss how adolescents with autism can develop friendships and even romantic relationships.   Paul and Jeremy discuss the following: Jeremy’s unique personal connection to the autism community Jeremy’s journey to becoming an autism friendship and dating coach Common social challenges young autistic adults encounter How Dads can coach their ASD kids to more comfortably navigate social settings

ABA.........t’s such a highly charged topic in the autism community.  ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) is a type of therapy that teaches skills and proper behavior to ASD children through reinforcement and practice.   In this podcast, Paul interviews Shannon Penrod of the web TV series “Autism Live”.  She is not only the parent of an ASD son, but she also has first-hand experience with ABA.   Paul and Shannon discuss the following: Shannon’s own journey as the parent of an autistic child Common questions Dads have when they first learn about ABA Pro’s and con’s to ABA and why some see it as a controversial therapy Where and how Dads can learn more about ABA for their kids

Just in time for Mother’s Day!  In this podcast, Paul interviews Holly Robinson Peete, actress and Founder of HollyRod Inc.  - an organization dedicated to raising autism awareness through education and kindness.  Holly and Paul discuss the unique (and diverse) roles Moms and Dads play in raising an ASD child. Paul and Holly discuss the following    Holly’s son’s (RJ’s) diagnosis Is there a difference in the experience of Moms raising ASD kids, versus Dads? What was Holly’s own experience, vs Rodney? What does Holly and her team observe about Moms and Dads at HollyRod? What can Dads learn from Moms of ASD Kids?