Autism Parenting Advocate

Supporting Autism Families Since '09

Real stories from a real autism parent. Join our community for honest conversations about the challenges and triumphs of raising children on the spectrum.

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Rob - The Autism Dad
NE Ohio · Resources, Real Talk & SupportHost of The Autism Dad PodcastFeatured on CNN, ABC, BBC

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About This Site

25+ years of real autism parenting — written from the parking lot

I'm Rob Gorski — a father of three autistic sons in Northeast Ohio and the voice behind The Autism Dad since 2009. For 25+ years I've been writing about what autism parenting actually looks like: meltdowns, IEPs, grief, advocacy, and the small daily moments that don't make it into clinical guides.

This site is the archive: 13,000+ blog posts, twice-weekly podcast episodes, and the upcoming Quarto-published book (December 2026). Most of what you find here was written from the parking lot of a hospital, an IEP meeting, or a 3am couch — not a content brief.

Global Community

Read in 140+ countries

Families around the world turn to The Autism Dad for real-life support and practical guidance.

Map of The Autism Dad visitors around the world
Visitors mapped since 2009
So Your Child Was Just Diagnosed with Autism — book cover by Rob Gorski
Pre-order nowDecember 29, 2026 · Quarto

So Your Child Was Just Diagnosed with Autism

Real Talk, Support, and Next Steps from a Dad Who's Been There

From someone who knows what it feels like to sit in a doctor's office and hear those words and have no idea what comes next.

Release date

December 29, 2026

Hardcover · Quarto Publishing Group

Posts

Honest reflections and practical advice from our journey.

Take Action: Stop the Push to Re-Institutionalize Disabled People
The Autism Lane6 min read

Take Action: Stop the Push to Re-Institutionalize Disabled People

A June 18, 2026 DOJ legal opinion claims states aren't required to serve disabled people in their communities, threatening the integration mandate behind group homes, Medicaid waivers, and community living. This post gives you ready-to-use phone scripts and emails to contact your U.S. senators, representative, and state leaders, plus a shareable message to spread the word.

Jun 21, 2026

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The Autism Dad Podcast 2026

The Autism Dad Podcast

Candid conversations about life as an autism parent. New episodes weekly on all major platforms.

Resources

Explore the tools, guides, and products our family uses and trusts - from emotional regulation and safety to daily routines and school support.

Trusted Partnerships

Our Partners

We partner with organizations that share our mission of supporting autism families with evidence-based tools and resources.

Mightier logo
Emotional Regulation Partner

Mightier

Clinically validated biofeedback games that teach kids to manage big emotions. Built by child psychologists at Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

Mightier has helped thousands of families reduce meltdowns and build lasting emotional skills.

VizyPlan logo
Planning & Organization Partner

VizyPlan

Visual scheduling and routine planning tools designed for neurodivergent families. Helping kids and caregivers see their day with clarity and confidence.

Purpose-built visual tools that empower neurodivergent individuals to plan independently.

Family Tested & ApprovedEvidence-Based ToolsMission-Aligned Partners

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Running this site, podcast, and community takes time and resources. If my work has helped your family, consider supporting what I do.

Every contribution helps keep this community going. Thank you.