My thoughts Archives - The Autism Dad

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…

0 Comments

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.

0 Comments

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…

0 Comments

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.

0 Comments

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…

0 Comments

October 4, 2024

My thoughts / Sponsored Post

How to Choose the Right TOG Rating for Baby Sleeping Sacks

Choosing the right TOG rating for your baby's sleep sack can seem confusing, but it's essential for ensuring your baby sleeps comfortably all night. The higher the TOG value, the warmer the sleep sack will keep your baby. If your baby's room is cool, you will need a higher TOG rating to keep them warm. Conversely, a lower TOG rating is better for warmer rooms. It's also important to consider the nursery's ambient temperature when selecting a sleep sack. For instance, a 1.0 TOG sleep sack is typically ideal for room temperatures between 68 and 72 degrees. Adjust the layers of clothing your baby wears underneath the sleep sack based on this recommendation. If you are looking to buy sleep sacks online, explore various options that cater to different TOG…

0 Comments

August 19, 2024

Read more about the article Top Sofa Materials for Sensory-Seeking Little Ones

Photo by Terje Sollie on Pexels.com

My thoughts

Top Sofa Materials for Sensory-Seeking Little Ones

When your children are actively seeking out sensory stimulation, rather than avoiding it, you have the perfect opportunity to adapt your home to suit them. Something as simple as changing out the soft furnishings in your home so that their little sensory-seeking brains have something to cling to and work with can do wonders in keeping them happy and even calm. Top Sensory-Stimulating Materials One of the easiest, most budget-friendly ways to make your home a better place for sensory-seeking little ones is to simply choose the right sofa material. • Velvet Velvet is a luxurious material that’s addictive to touch, making it a great choice for kids who are constantly seeking out some sort of sensory stimulation. Parents get a beautiful velvet green sofa, and the kids have something soft and exciting to touch and brush against when they sit on it. • Corduroy Another great material is corduroy.…

0 Comments

August 9, 2024

Educational Posts / My thoughts / Start Here / Wandering and Elopement

Understanding Wandering in Autism and Dementia: Risks, Reasons, and Prevention Tips

Wandering, also known as elopement, is a significant concern within the autism community and among individuals with dementia and other disabilities. This behavior involves individuals leaving a safe environment without notice, often leading to dangerous situations. Understanding the risks, reasons, and preventive measures associated with wandering can help families and caregivers manage this behavior more effectively.

0 Comments

July 21, 2024