Welcome to Part 1 of a powerful three-part series focused on special needs financial planning. In this episode, I’m joined by the amazing Katy Bryan, a Chartered Special Needs Consultant from Skylight Financial Group. Katy brings over 14 years of experience helping more than 250 families plan for their future. We’re breaking things down into real, understandable steps—starting with the basics. This episode focuses on the early stages of the journey—from diagnosis (or even before) to preparing for the unexpected. We talk about what parents should start thinking about when they first realize their child may need lifelong support, and how to start planning financially without being overwhelmed. What We Cover: Why financial planning matters early in the special needs journey Common challenges families face right after diagnosis How and…

Episode Overview In this solo episode, I dive into a topic that’s been weighing on my heart—validation in the autism community. There’s a growing divide between those who see autism as a superpower and those who experience it as a significant disability. Both perspectives are valid, but we need to recognize that no single experience defines autism. Key takeaways: Autism exists on a vast spectrum, and no two experiences are alike. Some individuals thrive and see autism as a strength, while others face profound challenges. We must validate and respect all perspectives without dismissing or diminishing anyone’s experience. Parents and autistic individuals alike should be able to share their personal journeys without fear of judgment. Unity within the autism community is crucial to advocating for better understanding and support. Why…

Episode Summary Divorce is never easy, and when neurodivergent children are involved, the challenges can be even more complex. In Part 1, we explored the unique difficulties of co-parenting neurodivergent kids, the importance of routine and consistency, and strategies for reducing trauma and increasing stability. Now, in Part 2, we’re tackling listener-submitted questions about co-parenting, communication struggles, and how to help kids through the transition. Dr. Mikki Lee is back to provide expert guidance, and I share personal lessons learned from my own experience. Whether it’s handling different parenting styles, managing transitions between households, or navigating co-parenting disagreements, this episode is all about practical solutions that prioritize a child's well-being. Key Topics in This Episode: - How to talk to kids about divorce in a way they understand - Easing…

Divorce is never easy, and when neurodivergent children are involved, the challenges can be even more complex. In this episode, I open up about my own divorce for the first time and discuss how it has affected me as a parent. My kids will also be sharing their experiences in future episodes because they deserve a voice in this conversation. Joining me today is Dr. Mikki Lee, a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist with extensive experience working with neurodivergent children and their families. Together, we explore the unique challenges of co-parenting neurodivergent kids, the importance of routine and consistency, and strategies to help families navigate transitions with less trauma and more stability. This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Next week, we’ll be answering your questions about co-parenting…

Episode Summary: Join Rob Gorski, The Autism Dad, in a heartfelt conversation with Scott LeRette, author of "The Unbreakable Boy" and father to Austin, a young man with autism and osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Scott shares his family's inspiring journey, discussing the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with unique needs. General Timeframes: Beginning: Scott describes his family's early experiences and the challenges of Austin's dual diagnoses. Mid-episode: Rob and Scott discuss the complexities of the autism community and the importance of acceptance and support. Towards the end: Rob and Scott share their personal experiences and the importance of finding humor and support in their journeys as autism dads. About the Guest: Scott LeRette is an autism dad and the author of "The Unbreakable Boy," a memoir about his family's…

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Autism Dad Podcast! In this episode, host Rob Gorski sits down with Sara Hast, an autism mom and advocate, to discuss her family’s unique journey. Sara shares her heartfelt experiences of raising two autistic children, navigating a late autism diagnosis during the pandemic, and the challenges of postpartum depression while parenting. Key highlights include: The role of the community in overcoming isolation and rebuilding confidence. Sara’s journey into advocacy and creating her inclusive clothing brand, Hashtags, promoting acceptance for all. The emotional impact of systemic delays in autism evaluations and how Sara turned frustration into empowerment. A raw and honest look at parenting challenges, including teaching self-advocacy, handling bullying, and fostering independence. Why bridging differences in the disability community leads to collective strength and…