This week my guest is Christina Abernethy from Love Hope & Autism. She's here to talk about her journey as an autism mom, how something called Goally has profoundly benefited her son, and the advocacy work she's doing to make public restrooms more accessible. Mentioned in this episode: Visit getgoally.com and use the code "theautismdad" to save 10% off your order Guest Bio: Christina is a dedicated wife, mother of three, and passionate advocate for people impacted by disabilities. She has coordinated events to fund research, supports and service dogs for families. She has served on local committees, coached an adaptive cheerleading team, and won awards for successful fundraising endeavors including those for “Team Bubba,” honoring her son with autism. She is the founder of Love, Hope & Autism and is proud to be the coordinator for Changing Spaces Pennsylvania, a movement to build accessible restrooms with powered height adjustable adult sized changing tables across communities to promote inclusion. She is working with legislators to pass a bill in Pennsylvania that would require such facilities in hospitals, airports, museums, rest stops, sports arenas and more. She also works as a Family Support and Community Engagement Specialist at Achieving True Self, supporting families like hers. Christina is committed to spreading a message of heightened awareness and acceptance of differences, ultimately inspiring hope. Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Mightier Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to emotionally self-regulate. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier. Visit Mightier Review Learn More About Bened Life Bened Life supports a neuroinclusive community with education and science-backed probiotics that promote mental and physical health. Bened Life prides itself on hiring neurodivergent staff that helps to run multiple facets of their business. Their medical probiotic, Neuralli, featuring the probiotic PS128, has already helped thousands of neurotypical and neurodivergent people worldwide. Learn more by going to benedlife.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout for 20% off your first order. Visit Bened Life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My 22 year old autistic son Gavin is here today to talk about his very first experience voting. He shares how it went, how he prepared for it, and also has advice for other first time voters with a disability. Link to pt1 Guest Bio: Gavin is 22 years old, diagnosed with autism and several rare genetic conditions. Gavin is very passionate about politics and gaming. He’s currently working on becoming more independent and building a life of his own. Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Mightier Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to emotionally self-regulate. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier. Visit Mightier Review Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode, I talk with Madeline Cheney from The Rare Life Podcast, where she shares her family's journey raising two amazing kids, one with very rare conditions. We have a conversation about what life is like for her family, some of the challenges they face, and how she's helping other families dealing with similar things. Guest Bio: Madeline Cheney is the host/creator of The Rare Life, a well-loved podcast for parents of children with rare conditions. She finds huge fulfillment in connecting with this community of parents in this way. Her experiences with her medically-complex son Kimball inspired the podcast. Kimball is a Buzz-lightyear loving four-year-old with a rare form of dwarfism and deaf-blindness, among other aspects of his rare syndrome. Madeline and Kimball live in Utah with his dad Juston and big sister Wendy where they enjoy camping as a family. Connect with Madeline on Instagram Listen to The Rare Life Podcast Important Links: My Autism Parenting Support Forum: Click Here Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Bened Life Bened Life supports a neuroinclusive community with education and science-backed probiotics that promote mental and physical health. Bened Life prides itself on hiring neurodivergent staff that helps to run multiple facets of their business. Their medical probiotic, Neuralli, featuring the probiotic PS128, has already helped thousands of neurotypical and neurodivergent people worldwide. Learn more by going to benedlife.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout for 20% off your first order. Visit Bened Life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, I talk briefly about helping my adult autistic son engage in the voting process. I've learned a few things along the way and thought it would be helpful to discuss this as many out there are in a similar situation. Important Links: My Autism Parenting Support Forum: Click Here Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Mightier Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to emotionally self-regulate. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier. Visit Mightier Review Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode, my friends Rose and Sunny from Bened Life are here to discuss the importance of inclusion and neurodiversity in the workplace. We come at this from a couple of different perspectives with the goal of Guest Bio: Sunny Cash is the Community Director for Bened Life. She has over 10 years in the psychology and neurodiversity field. When she's not working on building a neuro-inclusive community, finding the best disability accommodations for her coworkers, or connecting with our amazing clients and partners, you can find her hiking with her partner and their German shorthaired pointer, Freya. Sunny was diagnosed as an adult with ADHD, which she believes gives her deep focus on her interests & community building. Human connection is her greatest passion, and she’s happily in a position where her neurodiversity is celebrated. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunny-cash/ Rose Hughes is a Neurodiversity and Disability Specialist. You might know her as @a.tint.of.rose on Instagram where she adventures life in its realist form with her house rabbit Missy, and Penguin, her emotional support/travel buddy cuddly toy.  Rose describes herself as an open-minded gal who loves food, fitness, tourism, and animals (alpacas make her cry with happiness). The world of social media & community are special interests rivaled only by food – both eating and cooking it. She’s been known to watch movies only for their food scenes.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roselhughes/ Instagram: https://instgram.com/a.tint.of.rose Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys as well as Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski:  https://listen.theautismdad.com Huge thanks to this week's sponsors. ☺ ♥ Mentioned in this episode: Just two Dads Podcast Shawn Francis and Brian Altounian host "Just two Dads." A weekly conversation with two dads about raising children with special needs. Listen, every Wednesday at 12PM PST. Find them on Facebook and anywhere you get your podcasts. Just two Dads Podcast Learn More About Mightier Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to emotionally self-regulate. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier. Visit Mightier Review Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A mom asks this week's Listener Question in the support forums. She wants to know what to expect during her toddler's autism evaluation. This is a great question, and answering it can be very helpful for many parents. Important Links: My Autism Parenting Support Forum: Click Here Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Mightier Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to emotionally self-regulate. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier. Visit Mightier Review Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's episode is based on a listener request, and it's all about acute residential care. My guest is Brandon Clark, PsyD. Brandon is the clinical director at Springbrook Autism Behavioral Health and is here to answer parent questions about acute residential care. Guest Bio: Brandon Clark is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and the clinical director at Springbrook Autism Behavioral Health. He has a doctorate degree in psychology with an emphasis in industrial/organizational theory. He enjoys implementing behavior strategies to improve system-based processes and make organizational advancements.   Brandon began his career in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis in 2010. Since then, he has worked in treatment schools, private settings, crisis intervention settings, day program facilities, and owned a private practice for several years. For more information, click here Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Bened Life Bened Life supports a neuroinclusive community with education and science-backed probiotics that promote mental and physical health. Bened Life prides itself on hiring neurodivergent staff that helps to run multiple facets of their business. Their medical probiotic, Neuralli, featuring the probiotic PS128, has already helped thousands of neurotypical and neurodivergent people worldwide. Learn more by going to benedlife.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout for 20% off your first order. Visit Bened Life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's Listener Question is about how to deal with an unsupportive family member or a family member that doesn't understand or accept your child's autism diagnosis. I hope this helps, and please continue to send your questions. Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Goally As parents, it sometimes feels like we are constantly nagging our kids to work on their daily living routines. Things like hygiene and bedtime, and homework can be so challenging. We know our kids need to learn this stuff, especially as they move towards independence, but sometimes there's just not enough time in a day. Parenting is tough. Trying to balance everything when it comes to raising kids is not easy, and sometimes as parents, we could use a little help. Enter Goally. Goally is a digital visual scheduler, AAC talker, token board system, and more all rolled into one easy-to-use app. It's made for unique thinkers like autistic kids and kids with ADHD. Kids together with Goally can conquer daily routines and therapy practice without prompting from mom or dad. This reduces that feeling of nagging your kids, and it also grants your kids some autonomy to sort of manage their own lives. Goally can easily be used on your child's existing device or with Goally's optional and affordable, dedicated device. In my house, we found that the dedicated device seems to work better for my son, so that's what we use. For more information, you can visit getgoally.com. That's g-e-t-g-o-a-l-l-y.com; and use the code “theautismdad” and save 10% off your order. Visit Goally Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a Quick Take Bonus Episode answering a listener's question: "How do I talk to my kids about autism?" To grab the full episode, and listen to the entire conversation, click here. My friend Rose joins me today to help parents navigate this challenging situation. Rose just happens to be autistic and has a tremendous amount of insight, which she freely shares. This episode will help you form a strategy for talking to your child about their own autism or even helping them better understand a sibling, friend, or family member who's autistic. Guest Bio: Rose is a Neurodiversity and Disability Specialist. You might know her as @a.tint.of.rose on Instagram where she adventures life in its realist form with her house rabbit Missy, and Penguin, her emotional support/travel buddy cuddly toy.  Rose describes herself as an open-minded gal who loves food, fitness, tourism, and animals (alpacas make her cry with happiness). The world of social media & community are special interests rivaled only by food – both eating and cooking it. She’s been known to watch movies only for their food scenes.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roselhughes/ Instagram: https://instgram.com/a.tint.of.rose Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys as well as Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski:  https://listen.theautismdad.com Huge thanks to this week's sponsors. ☺ ♥ Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Mightier Mightier is a clinically proven mobile gaming app that was developed at Boston Children’s Hospital. It’s already helped more than 100,000 kids, including my crew here at home. Kids play on a tablet or a phone while wearing a heart rate monitor. And Mightier incorporates breathing exercises and other calming techniques as part of the game. Kids get to see when it’s time to cool down and learn how to do it themselves. And parents get to track their progress. Visit mightier.com and use the promo code "theautismdad22" at checkout to save 10%. Visit Mightier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's listener question is a really good one. "How do I talk to my child about autism?" My friend Rose joins me today to help parents navigate this challenging situation. Rose just happens to be autistic and has a tremendous amount of insight, which she free shares. This episode will help you form a strategy for talking to your child about their own autism or even helping them better understand a sibling, friend, or family member who's autistic. Guest Bio: Rose is a Neurodiversity and Disability Specialist. You might know her as @a.tint.of.rose on Instagram where she adventures life in its realist form with her house rabbit Missy, and Penguin, her emotional support/travel buddy cuddly toy.  Rose describes herself as an open-minded gal who loves food, fitness, tourism, and animals (alpacas make her cry with happiness). The world of social media & community are special interests rivaled only by food – both eating and cooking it. She’s been known to watch movies only for their food scenes.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roselhughes/ Instagram: https://instgram.com/a.tint.of.rose Host Bio: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys as well as Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, digital marketer, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski:  https://listen.theautismdad.com Huge thanks to this week's sponsors. ☺ ♥ Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Goally As parents, it sometimes feels like we are constantly nagging our kids to work on their daily living routines. Things like hygiene and bedtime, and homework can be so challenging. We know our kids need to learn this stuff, especially as they move towards independence, but sometimes there's just not enough time in a day. Parenting is tough. Trying to balance everything when it comes to raising kids is not easy, and sometimes as parents, we could use a little help. Enter Goally. Goally is a digital visual scheduler, AAC talker, token board system, and more all rolled into one easy-to-use app. It's made for unique thinkers like autistic kids and kids with ADHD. Kids together with Goally can conquer daily routines and therapy practice without prompting from mom or dad. This reduces that feeling of nagging your kids, and it also grants your kids some autonomy to sort of manage their own lives. Goally can easily be used on your child's existing device or with Goally's optional and affordable, dedicated device. In my house, we found that the dedicated device seems to work better for my son, so that's what we use. For more information, you can visit getgoally.com. That's g-e-t-g-o-a-l-l-y.com; and use the code “theautismdad” and save 10% off your order. Visit Goally Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices