My name is Rob Gorski, and I’d like to welcome you to The Autism Dad blog (formerly Lost and Tired). I’m a full-time single Dad to three amazing kids. Gavin is 23, Elliott is 16, and Emmett is 14. My kids live with me full-time, and while that’s truly a blessing, it’s also very challenging raising three autistic boys alone. In some ways, we are like every other family in the world, and in many different ways, we are not.
Without question, my kids are truly amazing human beings and better than me in every way. I work every single day to be worthy of them.
My blogging journey accidentally began all the way back in 2010 under the title Lost and Tired, as I was searching for a healthier way to cope with life. Over a decade later, this blog contains thousands of pages and over 12,500 posts.
These posts document our journey in a very open, honest, and transparent way. I’ve intentionally left everything intact after I became a single parent because I feel those experiences are still relevant, even if our family dynamic has since changed.
This is the real-life story of a family coping not only with autism but multiple, serious physical and emotional health issues.
While reading, you will bear witness to all the raw emotions I’ve experienced along the way. You’ll experience our true happiness and utter heartbreak. It’s raw, visceral, transparent, and brutally honest. It’s our real-life story, and I don’t hide from it.
For over a decade, people from across the globe have found comfort and solace in my thoughts because I’m able to put into words what they’ve been feeling.
I provide support to the Autism community, both publicly and privately.
My mission is to show others of similar circumstances that they are not alone while at the same time, educating the rest of the world as to what autism families can experience daily.
I do all of this out of a true desire to make a difference and set a positive example for my kids.
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.
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!
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.
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
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?