Autism Parenting Advocate
Real stories from a real autism parent. Join our community for honest conversations about the challenges and triumphs of raising children on the spectrum.
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A June 18 Justice Department memo threatens the rule that keeps disabled people living in their communities. It is not law yet, and that is exactly why now is the time to be heard. Here are ready-to-use call scripts and emails to tell your lawmakers where you stand.
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About This Site
I'm Rob Gorski — a father of three autistic sons in Northeast Ohio and the voice behind The Autism Dad since 2009. For 25+ years I've been writing about what autism parenting actually looks like: meltdowns, IEPs, grief, advocacy, and the small daily moments that don't make it into clinical guides.
This site is the archive: 13,000+ blog posts, twice-weekly podcast episodes, and the upcoming Quarto-published book (December 2026). Most of what you find here was written from the parking lot of a hospital, an IEP meeting, or a 3am couch — not a content brief.
Global Community
Families around the world turn to The Autism Dad for real-life support and practical guidance.
Real Talk, Support, and Next Steps from a Dad Who's Been There
From someone who knows what it feels like to sit in a doctor's office and hear those words and have no idea what comes next.
Release date
December 29, 2026
Hardcover · Quarto Publishing Group
Honest reflections and practical advice from our journey.
President Trump signed Executive Order 14408 on August 10, 2026. Here is the complete order, word for word, with the parts that concern me most highlighted, plus what it does and does not change for your family.
Aug 11, 2026
Palm Beach County families say their kids lost ABA therapy with no explanation. But Florida never cut the benefit, and legally it cannot. A federal court order has required Florida Medicaid to cover ABA since 2012. What changed is who decides, and how much paperwork stands in the way.
Jul 28, 2026
Six states want the community living rule struck down, and the government just switched sides. Here's Texas v. Kennedy in plain words.
Jul 21, 2026
The DOJ put it in writing: it won't rely on its own Olmstead playbook anymore. Here's what that means for your family, in plain words.
Jul 21, 2026
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Candid conversations about life as an autism parent. New episodes weekly on all major platforms.
Explore the tools, guides, and products our family uses and trusts - from emotional regulation and safety to daily routines and school support.
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Trusted Partnerships
We partner with organizations that share our mission of supporting autism families with evidence-based tools and resources.
Clinically validated biofeedback games that teach kids to manage big emotions. Built by child psychologists at Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
Mightier has helped thousands of families reduce meltdowns and build lasting emotional skills.
Visual scheduling and routine planning tools designed for neurodivergent families. Helping kids and caregivers see their day with clarity and confidence.
Purpose-built visual tools that empower neurodivergent individuals to plan independently.
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Every contribution helps keep this community going. Thank you.
