About Me: Rob Gorski
Hello, and welcome to my corner of the internet. My name is Rob Gorski, and I’m based in Northeast Ohio. I’m a proud father to three incredible sons—Elliott, Emmett, and Gavin—all of whom are on the autism spectrum. My journey as a single dad to these amazing boys has shaped my life and career in ways I could never have imagined.
My Mission
I am the founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC, a platform dedicated to educating, validating, and supporting parents raising children with autism and other disabilities. Through my blog and podcast, I share our family’s story in an effort to provide real-life perspectives that resonate with other parents navigating similar challenges. My mission is multi-faceted: I aim to educate the public about autism, offer support to families, and create a community where people feel understood and less isolated.
Professional Background
I launched The Autism Dad blog in 2010, initially as a way to document my personal experiences. Over the years, it has evolved into a global resource that features articles, podcasts, interviews, and practical advice for parents. My work has been recognized by major media outlets such as CNN, ABC News, BBC Worldwide, and the Tamron Hall Show. I’ve also received numerous awards for my contributions to the autism community.
Before founding The Autism Dad, I was the owner of Lost and Tired, a blog that also focused on raising autism awareness. My professional journey began in emergency services; I studied Psychology at Walsh University and completed EMT and Basic Fire Training at Stark State. Unfortunately, a back injury led me to retire from my career as a firefighter and paramedic, but it also opened the door to my current path.
Meet My Family
- Gavin: My oldest son, Gavin, deals with both autism and complex health issues. Despite these hurdles, he remains the most resilient and cheerful member of our family.
- Elliott: Elliott is my creative genius. He deals with anxiety but finds solace in art, photography, writing, gaming, and music.
- Emmett: Emmett, my youngest, is intellectually gifted and incredibly empathetic. While he faces challenges in the sensory department and ADHD, his ability to understand complex issues is truly remarkable.
Why “The Autism Dad”?
Initially, this platform was a way to share my personal journey and experiences as an autism dad. It has since evolved into a global platform featuring articles, podcasts, interviews, and practical advice for parents like you. My goal is to offer a window into the multifaceted world of autism, from the triumphs to the challenges, providing real-life perspectives you can relate to.
Recognition and Impact
I’ve been humbled by acknowledgments from various media outlets and have received numerous awards for my work. However, the heart and soul of this mission is community—your stories, your comments, and your involvement. Together, we can make a difference and support each other through the ups and downs of raising children with autism.
Thank you for visiting “The Autism Dad.” I hope you find the resources and support you need here. Feel free to reach out to me at partnerships@theautismdad.com for any inquiries or collaborations.
Warm regards,
Rob Gorski
Founder & CEO, The Autism Dad, LLC
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Hello I have watched my daughter change over a period of about 8 months and still regressing ! She has lost all her communication verbal and non verbal ! She lost her cognitive abilities and know slowly her physical! I feel perilized that I can not help her or stop the regression ! I ha dnonclue something this horrific existed! It is such a pain ful experience so watch this process happen to my daughter and to see the regression still continuing! They said my daughter was autistic and it was regressional and now I find out that they call CDD regressional autism now …… and when I looked it up on YouTube I found you post and you discrive everything to the tee of what is happening! I need a help and support from someone that is or has gone through this
Hi Michelle. What was her age at diagnosis.
And how old is she now?
My twin boy has been diagnosed with ASD at 1.7 years
Hello! I’m Brandon. I have four year old that has autism and is non-verbal. I am a stay at home father. I find this blog really helpful and inspiring. I can relate to several topics. Feeling left out when I go to the park and it’s all moms is pretty intimidating. The question, “What do you do for a living?” Also, the hinting by people that you’re not doing enough. Thank you for this blog.
Brandon,
Hey friend!! It’s really nice to meet you. I can so relate. I’ve been there, far too many times. I had to learn to stop caring about what other people were thinking. It’s not easy but it helps. ☺
I’ve been at this for the better part of 20 years and people still hint that I’m not doing enough or I should get a job outside the home. I’d love to have the freedom to do that but it’s not in the cards, at least for now. Stay strong my friend.
Hi Rob!!! Thank You for doing a job that would make the toughest marine quit and run for cover!!!!
I’ve got three young adults two on the spectrum and one with ADD and suspected HFA.
Sometimes, I wish the government would subsidize for parents of special needs kids. I know this isn’t a popular opinion, but it’s mine. We do more for our kids than most school systems, who although they mean well often make it worse.
Anyways, THANKS FOR WHAT YOU DO!
My name is DeBorah Palmer and my brother Stephen Palmer has Autism. I’m 57 and Stephen is 55. Our parents both passed away many years ago and it is just Stephen and I, no other siblings. Stephen lives in a Group Home Residence in Queens, New York. I live in Brooklyn, NY. He visits me about once a month. Here is a blog post I wrote about Rosemary Kennedy. https://dancingpalmtrees.com/2016/10/18/rosemary-the-hidden-kennedy-daughter/
Hello there I am currently in a class and I have to write a paper about blogs and those that reflect children with autism. Well I cam across yours and I have some specific questions that I am not finding on here mainly because your page is huge I am not sure where to start. Would it be ok to ask you some questions?
Absolutely. Shoot me a message from my contact page and I’ll email you right back. 🙂
I too feel lost and tired but now I found the autism dad site and feel somewhat hopeful for my son Dominic ! ( he’s such a sweet and kind 8 year old) Im constantly looking up things to help him in his daily life and reading up on the subject always trying to remain positive ! Glad I bumped into you!
I have a 25 yr old son with severe autism. equires restraint once or twice a month. Love him with all my heart but cannot get support for him in my home. Facing out of state placement. Crushed but have no good options. I am 65 and not sure how many more restraints I have left. Any advice. I understand you are not where I am but I am unable to work also.
I’m sending a big virtual hug to you My Sister. I wish I had something more tangible to give, but I just want you to know I’ve prayed for you and your Precious Son❤️
I pray that you’ll receive all that you and your son need to help
Does anyone here have any experience with service dogs for autistic kids? I have heard some very encouraging stories, and I’m thinking about looking into it. Looking forward to hearing your opinions. Here is one website of an organization that trains the dogs http://www.dogs4lives.com Any and all input would be greatly appreciated!
Hello
We to were looking at a dog for autistic child. But didn’t feel justified being our son has animals to play with etc.
But we did want a dog and one thing to remember is study the breed as some are very low key and adapt well with the surrounding.
We have a few cavachon and those are smaller dogs so of course it’s pros and cons. But he can take it along to bed when he wants to rest or cuddle up in recliner.
So that is our dog story.
Our son has had a few concussion so we are not just dealing with autism.
Life is a challenge but want to take one day at a time.
Please read about Nemechek Protocol and watch the YouTube videos…of course it is not a cure but this lifestyle change heals…it has helped my family.
I want to share your meme about autism meltdowns (has your blog address) in my facebook group. but the one I saw is too small to read. 🙁 Can you share the original meme with me?