My thoughts Archives - The Autism Dad

My Self-Care Journey: Managing Pain, Fighting Burnout, and Prioritizing My Health

Today was a big day for me. I finally went to see a spinal surgeon for a consult about my back—something I probably should have done a long time ago. For those who don’t know, I’ve been living with a major back injury for the last 25 years. It’s something I’ve carried with me since my time as a fire/medic, and I’ve been living in pain ever since, doing my best to avoid surgery. But lately, things have been getting harder. The pain has been worse, I’ve been struggling with burnout, and I’ve regained some of the weight I had worked so hard to lose. Kelly and the boys have been encouraging me to get checked out and figure out my options. Kelly reminded me—again—that self-care isn’t just something I…

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February 28, 2025

My thoughts

You’re Not a Bad Parent: Frustration is Normal

To all the parents out there feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders: you are not alone. We all have moments where we feel like running away and joining the circus. But remember, you are strong, you are capable, and you are making a difference in your child's life.

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January 9, 2025

5 Things / Autism / Autism 101 / My thoughts

5 Early Signs Your Child May Need an Autism Evaluation

As parents, we spend so much time observing and nurturing our kids, hoping to give them the best foundation in life. It’s normal to wonder if what we’re noticing is just a phase or something more. If you’ve ever felt that little nudge in your gut telling you that something feels “off,” you’re not alone. That feeling doesn’t mean anything is wrong—it simply means you care deeply and are tuned into your child’s development. Today, I want to share some early signs that might indicate it’s time to consider an autism evaluation. This isn’t about labeling your child or jumping to conclusions; it’s about understanding their unique needs and getting support as early as possible. 1. Delayed or Absent Speech Development Every child develops at their own pace, but there…

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December 27, 2024

My thoughts

You Are Allowed to Feel This Way: A Message to Parents of Kids with Disabilities

Parenting is hard, period. But parenting a child with disabilities? It’s a whole other level. I’ve been on this journey for 23 years, raising three autistic kids, two with ADHD, and my oldest with fragile health. I’ve seen it all—exhaustion, frustration, anger, sadness, joy, loneliness, and everything in between. If no one has told you this today: it’s okay to feel all those things. You are allowed to be exhausted. You’re allowed to be frustrated, angry, or even jealous of families who seem to have it easier. You’re allowed to want to run away and join the circus—trust me, I’ve considered it many times over the years. It doesn’t make you a bad parent. It doesn’t make your child a bad kid. It just means you’re human. Give Yourself Permission…

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December 15, 2024

My thoughts / Reviews

Bark Phone Review: A Game-Changer for Families!

I’m genuinely excited to share my thoughts on the Bark Phone—a remarkable innovation that would have made a world of difference for families like mine when my kids were younger. As a proud dad of three incredible autistic kids, I know how hard it is to find technology that fosters independence while keeping kids safe. The Bark Phone isn’t just a smartphone; it’s a thoughtfully designed safety net that empowers parents and equips kids with the tools they need to navigate the digital world responsibly.

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December 6, 2024

Gavin / My thoughts

Don’t Let Anyone Tell You What Your Autistic Kids Can’t Do

Don’t Let Anyone Tell You What Your Autistic Kids Can’t Do Sometimes, people try to tell us what our kids can’t do. But let me tell you—don’t ever let anyone set those limits for them. Recently, I got an unexpected and somewhat exasperated call from my 25-year-old autistic son, Gavin, who has been making huge strides toward independence since he moved out this past summer. If you’re a parent of an autistic individual or navigating independent living for autistic adults, I hope Gavin’s journey encourages you to believe in what’s possible. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCW58Bgq9dT/?igsh=MWxqbmlqaHZsMGo0eg== My Son’s Journey Toward Independence as an Autistic Adult Gavin has been holding down his first job for over a year and a half, but recently, he ran into a hurdle. His hours were cut—not because of anything…

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November 14, 2024

My thoughts

Webinar Replay: Helping Your Child with Autism Transition into Adulthood

Navigating the path to adulthood with a child on the autism spectrum can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, parents don’t have to take this journey alone. Recently, Action Behavior Centers hosted an exclusive webinar to provide autism parents and caregivers with practical tools and insights for supporting their children as they transition into adulthood. If you missed the live session, you can now access the full replay to catch up on all the valuable information shared.

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November 5, 2024

My thoughts / Reviews

Autism 360 App Review: A Game Changer for Parents Like Us

As a parent of three incredible children with autism, I completely understand the unique challenges that come with parenting in our community. Everyone's journey is different and can be filled with highs and lows, joy and frustration; however, I have recently discovered a tool that can make navigating this journey a little easier: the Autism 360 app. Designed specifically for families with autistic children, this app is a one-stop shop for resources, strategies, and a supportive community. Let me share my experience and insights into why this app is a game-changer for parents like us. As a parent of children who are now older, I often find myself reflecting on the early years of our autism journey. It’s a path filled with love, challenges, and countless learning experiences. One thing…

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October 4, 2024