Parenting 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…

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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

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…

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November 27, 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

Photo by Vidal Balielo Jr. on Pexels.com

Innovative Tools for Autism

Raising kids with autism is anything but easy, especially if you’re not autistic yourself or if your own support needs are vastly different from what your children require. Even when you are autistic, having that insight doesn’t always mean you automatically know how to parent your kids in the way they need. And if you’re not on the spectrum, the challenge can feel even greater, as you have to unlearn much of what you know about parenting to build the skills that will truly help your child thrive. Photo by Vidal Balielo Jr. on Pexels.com The reality is, no matter who you are, parenting autistic children is a tough journey. But it doesn’t have to feel impossible. Today, we have access to so many innovative tools designed to help our…

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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.

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July 21, 2024