This week, we’re talking about something every autism parent needs to think about—but many don’t until it’s too late: water safety and wandering. If you’ve ever felt the panic of not knowing where your child went or struggled to keep them safe near water, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Dr. Molly O’Shea, a pediatrician with the American Academy of Pediatrics, autism mom, and the official pediatrician for Goldfish Swim School. We explore the very real risks around drowning in the autism community and what parents can do to keep their neurodivergent kids safe—starting as early as infancy. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why autistic children are at significantly higher risk of drowning The connection between wandering and sensory-driven curiosity How kids on the spectrum process water…

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, I open up about one of the darkest moments of my life—a time when the weight of burnout, single parenting, and undiagnosed ADHD nearly pushed me past the brink. But more importantly, I talk about the moment I chose five more minutes—and how that choice changed everything. Joining me is Dr. Kristen Guillory, a leading voice in men’s mental health and founder of Candid Conversations for Men. Together, we break down what often goes unspoken, especially for dads raising neurodivergent kids. This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a lifeline. If you're a dad feeling like you're carrying the weight of the world or a parent trying to support your partner, this episode is for you.       What We Talk…

Need a smile today? This episode is your dose of joy. Aria—my 9-year-old stepdaughter and fan favorite—is back on the podcast and taking over the mic. From overcoming her fear of water to her growing love for Stranger Things and Taylor Swift, Aria is full of heart, humor, and surprises. Stick around to the end for her incredible rendition of “NeverEnding Story.” You don’t want to miss it. Aria shares her world in a way only a neurodivergent kid can. Whether you’re a parent of autistic children or just need a boost of hope, this episode is a reminder that progress comes in many forms—and joy is often found in the little things. What we talk about in this episode: Aria’s 9th birthday update and summer highlights Overcoming fear of…

In this powerful conversation, Rob talks with Jennifer Kaufman, educator, and grandmother to an autistic child - about the often overlooked but critical role that grandparents play in the lives of neurodivergent kids. Jennifer shares wisdom from her book Grandparenting on the Spectrum and opens up about navigating her dual role as both a seasoned professional and a grandparent still learning to step back. This episode is a must-listen for parents and grandparents alike who want to create stronger, more supportive relationships without stepping on each other’s toes. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why well-meaning grandparents can unintentionally make things harder—and how to fix that The importance of respecting parental boundaries, even when you “know better” How to build meaningful relationships with autistic grandkids (especially from a distance) Why…

When you’re parenting autistic children or kids with high support needs, it’s easy to wonder how it all impacts their siblings. Do they feel forgotten? Overwhelmed? Lost in the shuffle? In this heartfelt episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, I sit down with autism mom Amy Kelly and her adult son Danny for a raw, emotional, and hopeful look at the sibling experience—and why it matters more than we often realize. Amy is a powerhouse in the autism community. She’s the National Director of Family Engagement at Devereux and a longtime advocate for autism support for families. But this episode isn’t about professional titles—it’s about her lived experience as a mom raising profoundly autistic Annie, while trying to meet the needs of her neurotypical sons, including today’s guest, Danny. Danny…

Is your child struggling—and you’re not getting answers from “normal” tests? Hit play. This could change everything. In Part 2 of my powerful conversation with Dr. Theoharis Theoharides, we explore how neuroinflammation, mast cell activation, and overlooked biological factors can affect autistic children. We dive into my son Gavin’s journey, how traditional testing failed us, and what we discovered when we looked deeper. If you’ve ever felt dismissed or unsure where to turn next, this episode will give you new hope and direction. Why this matters: Too often, symptoms like gut issues, eczema, or extreme food sensitivity get brushed off. Dr. Theo shares what many pediatricians miss—and how identifying and treating the right things can dramatically improve quality of life for neurodivergent kids. What We Cover: What neuroinflammation means for…

Could neuroinflammation be driving your child’s symptoms? This episode will change how you think about autism and health. In this two-part series of The Autism Dad Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Theoharis Theoharides, one of the world’s leading experts in neuroimmune medicine and mast cell research. We dig deep into how inflammation in the brain—driven by overactive mast cells—can contribute to the struggles many autistic and neurodivergent kids face, including sensory issues, eczema, gut problems, chronic sinus issues, and even regression. Dr. Theo doesn’t just talk theory—he shares actionable steps and science-backed insights that have the potential to improve quality of life for families like ours. I even share some personal stories about my sons, and how this research explains things we’ve experienced for years. Whether your child is…

Episode Summary: In this powerful and deeply human episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, I sit down with husband-and-wife team Jeremy Dyen and Dr. Mika Gupta, co-founders of Mama Bird, to explore the emotional and transformative journey of parenting a child with Down syndrome. We talk about: Navigating a life-changing diagnosis Finding purpose in unexpected places Supporting your child’s unique needs without losing yourself in the process How their personal journey led to creating brain-focused supplements for kids and families Whether you’re parenting a child with a disability or looking for inspiration from parents who truly get it, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Topics Covered: Birth and diagnosis stories NICU experiences and emotional aftermath Early intervention and the Family Hope Center How Down syndrome changed their…

In this powerful conclusion to our three-part Special Needs Financial Planning series, I’m joined once again by Katy Bryan, a Special Needs Financial Planner with Skylight Financial Group. In this episode, we tackle the toughest part of the journey—planning for our child’s future after we’re gone. This isn’t easy to talk about, but having a plan in place can ease a lot of the anxiety many of us carry every day. Katy and I dive into what end-of-life planning looks like for special needs families, including estate planning, guardianship, housing options, and how to prepare siblings or support systems for what’s ahead. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why end-of-life planning is one of the most important steps for special needs families What a Special Needs Trust is and how…

Show Notes: Special Needs Financial Planning (Part 2) — The Autism Dad Podcast In this episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, Rob Gorski continues the special needs financial planning series with guest Katy Bryan from Skylight Financial Group. Katy specializes in helping families of children with disabilities plan for the future and shares key steps to prepare for your child’s transition to adulthood. Rob and Katy discuss why everything changes at age 18: managing assets under $2,000, understanding Social Security benefits (SSI/SSDI), and navigating Medicaid. They explore common questions around special needs trusts, guardianship, and power of attorney, and offer tips for finding a financial or estate planner with real disability expertise. Rob shares his own family’s journey—the struggles, learning curves, and how resources like vocational programs made a difference…