Autism Archives - The Autism Dad

Navigating Divorce with Neurodivergent Kids pt 1 (S8E05)

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. https://youtu.be/KTDC3ef9yOo This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Next week, we’ll be answering your questions about…

0 Comments

March 8, 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.

0 Comments

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…

0 Comments

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…

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

Photo by Josh Willink on Pexels.com

Effortless Dad Style: Staying Cool, Comfortable, and Ready for Anything

Becoming a dad is one of life’s greatest adventures. From chasing after little ones to juggling work, errands, and playdates, fatherhood keeps you on your toes. But just because life is hectic doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. Modern dads are redefining what it means to dress for the occasion—whether that’s a day at the park, a casual brunch, or a last-minute meeting. With the right wardrobe staples and a focus on functionality, you can look good and feel great no matter what the day throws at you. The Power of Comfortable Basics One key to nailing dad style is investing in clothing that feels as good as it looks. Relaxed yet refined, oversized joggers for men are a wardrobe essential for dads on the go. They strike…

0 Comments

November 27, 2024

How to Care for an Elderly Loved One with Autism

Caring for an elderly person with autism comes with unique challenges and considerations. Compassionate and effective strategies are essential to ensuring their well-being and quality of life. If you’re the primary caregiver of an autistic elderly loved one, this article can help you discover care solutions to empower your senior adult. Understanding Autism in Older Adults To provide quality care for your aging loved one, you must clearly understand autism and its impact on the elderly. Autism varies per individual, and as the severity increases, so should the level of care. Since autism is an incurable lifelong condition, it can significantly progress over time, especially if left unaddressed during early childhood. Learn the differences in symptoms and diagnosis of autistic senior adults compared to their younger counterparts. Autistic older adults often…

0 Comments

November 17, 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