Read more about the article Supporting Dads in the Autism Community
#Autism Discussions / My thoughts / Podcast

Supporting Dads in the Autism Community

In "The Autism Dad" podcast, Harry Psaros, an advocate and father from Pittsburgh, discussed his transformation after his son's autism diagnosis. He shared how embracing the diagnosis as a gateway to improvement helped him become a proactive advocate and author. His book aims to inspire resilience and hope in parents navigating similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of community support and a positive mindset for continuous growth and development. Harry's personal journey celebrates each victory and the potential in every challenge, illustrating a profound commitment to fostering the best environment for his child and others.

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May 1, 2024
Read more about the article 2 years ago today I met and interviewed Dr. Temple Grandin
My thoughts / On This Day

2 years ago today I met and interviewed Dr. Temple Grandin

2 years ago today, I met Dr. Temple Grandin. It was my very first trip away from my 3 autistic kids. I was so nervous because I’d never been away from them like that before. I’m so glad I went. It was such an amazing experience. I learned a great deal and met some amazing people, including Kate from @findingcoopersvoice. This was one of my very first big podcast interviews and you can find it at theautismdad.link and click on the podcast button or simply stream it below.

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April 29, 2024
Read more about the article Gavin hit a major milestone on his journey to independence
Common Variable Immunodeficiency / Gavin / Independent Living / My thoughts

Gavin hit a major milestone on his journey to independence

Today, I'm thrilled to share a milestone achievement in my autistic son, Gavin's journey toward independence—a journey marked by resilience and quiet strength. At 24 years old, Gavin faces challenges that many of us can barely fathom. Diagnosed with Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID), his immune system is severely compromised, which means he's highly susceptible to infections that his body struggles to fight off. To manage this condition, Gavin has adopted a rigorous medical routine that involves self-administering a crucial medication through two small needles directly into his abdomen, not once, but twice every week. The procedure itself is daunting and time-consuming, at times taking several hours each session. It's a testament to Gavin's fortitude that he has managed these infusions on his own for many years, enduring the discomfort…

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April 29, 2024
Read more about the article
My thoughts

Just because we can’t see something, doesn’t mean it’s not there. I saw this recently and wanted to share this with you all. When raising kiddos with autism, it’s easy to sometimes get caught up in the daily struggle. We’re tired, overwhelmed, and about a million other things. When progress feels slow with our kids, we can blame ourselves for not doing enough or endlessly worry about their future. Trust me, I’ve been doing this for 23 years and I get it. Often times, however, growth and progress are taking place but maybe not in ways we anticipated. Just remember that simply because we aren’t seeing progress on the surface, doesn’t mean our kids aren’t experiencing growth. Just something to think about. ❤️

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April 11, 2024
Read more about the article We don’t stop being parents when they become adults
My thoughts

We don’t stop being parents when they become adults

This is Gavin. Gavin is my 24 year old autistic son who has recently begun building his own adult life. This past week Gavin called me from the break room at work and was incredibly upset. He was not making a great deal of sense and only after calming him down could I really understand what was going on. After a few minutes, I was able to figure out that his phone wasn’t working correctly and he was freaking out because he liked watching YouTube on his lunch break. He was frustrated because this disrupted his routine and he doesn’t like that. He was currently calling me from his watch because his phone battery had died and he didn’t know what to do. He had a few minutes before he…

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March 24, 2024
Read more about the article Navigating haircuts with my autistic kids
My thoughts

Navigating haircuts with my autistic kids

The question has been asked. How do I navigate haircuts with my 3 autistic kids. I thought since Elliott literally just walked out from getting one, we’d talk about it. In general, haircuts are easy now but it wasn’t always that way. When the boys were little, it was a sensory nightmare. I’d put off haircuts for as long as I could because I knew how difficult it would be for the kids and everyone else involved. There were times that I would have their hair cut really short just so it would take a little longer before we needed to return. The boys struggled with sitting still. The noise from the electric clippers freaked them out and the little hairs that were left behind made them itch and drove…

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March 13, 2024
Read more about the article What #Selfcare Looks Like in My Life
Kelly / My thoughts

What #Selfcare Looks Like in My Life

As a father to three incredible children on the autism spectrum, my journey has been filled with unique challenges and profound learning experiences. One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is the critical importance of self-care. It's not just a luxury; it's an absolute necessity for both myself and, by extension, my family. Embracing Self-Care as a Priority Self-care for me goes beyond the occasional break; it's about consistently recognizing and addressing my own physical, emotional, and mental health needs. The demanding nature of parenting, coupled with the specific needs of raising children with autism, means that without a solid self-care routine, burnout is not just a possibility; it's likely. I’ve tangled with burnout too many times over the last 23 year. My Approach to Self-Care For the longest…

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January 25, 2024