Summary Stephanie Peters and Shelby Knopp are the co-owners of Wishes and Co Travel Planning, a travel agency that specializes in special needs travel. They provide resources and support for families with special needs children to plan successful vacations. They offer services such as social stories, visual schedules, and personalized recommendations for accommodations and activities. Their goal is to make travel accessible and enjoyable for families with special needs. They work with various...

Episode Summary: In this episode, Rob Gorski sits down with Dr. Usman Ali to discuss the nuances of pediatric dentistry, especially in relation to children with special needs such as autism and sensory processing disorders. Dr. Ali shares his insights on preventive care, strategies for reducing dental anxiety, and the options available for sedation and general anesthesia in a pediatric setting. About the Guest: Dr. Usman Ali is a dedicated pediatric dentist who has been practicing for over...

Summary In this conversation, Stacy Brookover, an intervention specialist, discusses her role in the school system and the importance of true inclusion for students with special needs. She explains the process of identifying students' needs and creating Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 plans. Stacy emphasizes the value of teacher training and the need for effective communication between parents and educators. She also provides insights on handling routine changes and addressing...

Harry Psaros, author of the book 'From Struggle to Strength: A Father's Journey with Autism and the Power of Hope and Positivity,' shares his personal journey as an autism dad and the inspiration behind his book. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, resilience, and positivity in navigating the challenges of raising a child with autism. Psaros encourages parents to focus on continuous improvement, no matter where their child is on the spectrum, and to embrace their role as leaders in their...

Episode Summary: In this episode, Rob sits down with Kimberly Hauck, the Director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD). They discuss the crucial role the DODD plays in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families across Ohio. Kimberly details her journey from starting as a direct support professional to leading the department, emphasizing the department's commitment to advocacy and resource provision. Contacting The Autism Dad: For more...

Episode Summary: In this insightful episode, Rob Gorski sits down with his eldest son, Gavin, who is autistic, to discuss the important and nerve-wracking journey of transitioning to adulthood. They delve into Gavin's experiences with job training, his first job, and the process of touring group homes as he plans his future. Key Points Discussed: - Transition to Adulthood: Gavin shares his progress and challenges as he navigates through important milestones like job training and exploring...

Welcome to another insightful episode of "The Autism Dad" podcast. In this episode, Rob Gorski, your host, sits down with Kevin Miller, an autism dad and the Executive Director of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), a state agency dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities in finding and maintaining employment. In This Episode, You'll Discover: - Kevin's Personal Journey: Kevin shares his personal story as an autism dad, discussing the challenges and revelations he...

Summary In this conversation, Rob Gorski and Amber Arrington discuss the challenges and decisions involved in parenting adult children with autism. They address sensitive topics such as transitioning to adulthood, the need for independence, and the consideration of group homes. They also explore the emotional impact of making decisions like pursuing guardianship and the stigma attached to these choices. Amber shares her personal experience with her son living in a group home and highlights...

In this week’s episode, Emmett, my 15 year old autistic son, and I answer a bunch of your autism related questions. Emmett dug through a huge list of questions you folks submitted via Facebook and create a list of 10 he wanted us to talk about this week. This was a lot of fun. :-) Resources and Links:Episode mentioned for future reference: "The Parent's Guide to Navigating Autism and Puberty" with Dr. Whitney Casares: theautismdad.link. Guest Expert:Emmett Gorski is a 15-year-old autistic...

SummaryLena Hartman from Make'm Smile Ohio discusses the organization's annual event that celebrates individuals with disabilities and their families. The event offers a party-like atmosphere with various activities, entertainment, and resource exhibitors. Lena emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and acceptance, ensuring that families feel comfortable and supported. Siblings are also included in the event to ensure they feel valued and celebrated. The event is free of charge and takes...

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Gavin, my 24 year old autistic son. We talk about a situation that occurred recently where Gavin was very, very upset at work and had to call me for help. I wanted to discuss this after some time passed because I’m very interested in what Gavin learned from this experience and I wanted to better understand what he was going through in the moment. We both feel like this is a great teaching moment. About Gavin GorskiGavin is 24 years old, autistic and...

Episode SummaryIn this conversation, Rob Gorski speaks with Samantha Fox, a speech language pathologist and founder of Beyond Speech Therapy Center. They discuss non-speaking autism and the challenges related to communication. Samantha shares her journey into speech pathology and how she discovered the importance of motor control in communication. They delve into the concept of apraxia and when parents should be concerned about their non-speaking child. Hosted by Rob Gorski:Rob Gorski, a...

Episode Summary:In this heartfelt episode of "The Autism Dad" podcast, host Rob Gorski sits down with his 15-year-old son, Emmett, to reflect on the remarkable journey from Emmett's early years as a non-verbal child to his present as a confident young man. Rob and Emmett delve into the changes and challenges they've navigated together, including sensory issues, communication barriers, and personal growth. Through a candid and sometimes humorous conversation, they explore Emmett's evolution,...

Episode Summary: In this captivating episode of the Autism Dad podcast, host Rob Gorski is joined by Britta Koepf, a distinguished special needs financial planner. Their conversation delves into the essential yet often overlooked realm of special needs financial planning, offering insight and guidance to families navigating the financial complexities associated with caring for individuals with disabilities. This discussion breaks down the multi-faceted aspects of financial planning that go...

Episode Summary: In this moving and insightful episode of the Autism Dad podcast, host Rob Gorski sits down with Dr. Whitney Casares to discuss navigating medication for children with autism and ADHD. The conversation revolves around common concerns parents have about medications, the various remedies used, and the overarching emotional hurdles that accompany these decisions. The episode opens the floor to parents and caregivers seeking education and hope on this journey. Initially, Dr....

On today’s episode, I speak with my 24 year old autistic son, Gavin, talks about his transition into adulthood. We talk about everything for employment, independent living, and dating. Gavin is amazing and he’s so honest about what this journey is like for him and how it makes him feel. You don’t want to miss this. About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast:Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning...

Summary In the conversation, Rob Gorski and Brittyn Coleman address the challenges of Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) in autistic children. They differentiate ARFID from sensory eating issues and discuss the nutritional difficulties these children face. Brittyn advises on supplement introduction and stresses the need for professional support. The importance of community among parents of autistic children is also highlighted. Additionally, Brittyn Coleman, an autism...

You won't believe what happened on New Year's Eve. Emmett, my 15 year old autistic son, and I have a fun chat about some things that happened over the holidays that we've not shared yet. Guest Expert:Emmett Gorski is a 15-year-old autistic advocate and the son of Rob Gorski, the influential blogger and podcast host behind "The Autism Dad." Passionate about raising awareness and understanding of autism, Emmett brings a unique, firsthand perspective to the conversation. Articulate and...

Because there’s so many new listeners and this was such an inspiring episode, I’m rereleasing it so more people can connect with it. :-) In today's very special episode, I'm sitting down with my 15-year-old autistic son, Emmett, for a truly unique conversation. For the first time, Emmett opens up about his experience of being non-verbal for the first 4.5 years of his life. This intimate discussion gives us a rare insight into the world of non-verbal autism, helping to challenge stereotypes...

 Welcome to The Autism Dad Podcast, I'm Rob Gorski. As a single dad to three amazing autistic kids, I've been the go to global resource for autism parenting since 2010. For the past seven seasons, this podcast has provided parents with education, community resources, and validation. This season, you'll hear from parents just like you, as well as my own kids who will offer their unique perspectives on what it's like for them to navigate the world as young autistic people. I'll feature experts...

In this week's episode, I take on the controversial subject of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy with his guest, Ashley Gibson-Stewart, a seasoned and board-certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). We talk about what ABA therapy was like in the past and how it's changed over the years. Acknowledging the Past: Rob and Ashley discuss the painful experiences our autistic adult friends endured during the early days of ABA therapy, recognizing the trauma it caused.Embracing Change: The episode...

Join us in this enlightening episode as we sit down with Dr. Whitney Casares, a renowned pediatrician, accomplished author/spokesperson with the American Academy of Pediatrics, and mother to an autistic child. She brings to the table not only her professional expertise but also her personal experience navigating the world of autism. Dr. Casares tackles your most pressing questions about sleep hygiene, revealing practical strategies to improve your child's sleep routine. Plus, she delves into...

This is the final episode of Season 6. Kelly and I reflect back on 2023 and what our autism parenting journey’s have been like this year. Kelly talks about her daughter being diagnosed with autism earlier this year and how she’s navigated some of the challenges associated with that. We some of the things 2023 brought into our lives and what we’re looking forward to in 2024. Also, Kelly’s daughter Aria, pops in for short but incredibly adorable interview at the end. Prepare to smile....

This is the final episode of Season 6. Kelly and I reflect back on 2023 and what our autism parenting journey’s have been like this year. Kelly talks about her daughter being diagnosed with autism earlier this year and how she’s navigated some of the challenges associated with that. We some of the things 2023 brought into our lives and what we’re looking forward to in 2024. Also, Kelly’s daughter Aria, pops in for short but incredibly adorable interview at the end. Prepare to smile....