Summary Stephanie Peters and Shelby Knopp are the co-owners of Wishes and Co Travel Planning, a travel agency that specializes in special needs travel. They provide resources and support for families with special needs children to plan successful vacations. They offer services such as social stories, visual schedules, and personalized recommendations for accommodations and activities. Their goal is to make travel accessible and enjoyable for families with special needs. They work with various budgets and can plan vacations all year round. Their services are complimentary and they are dedicated to creating lasting memories for families. Guest Bios: Stephanie Peters: Co-owner of Wishes and Co Travel Planning. Former kindergarten teacher with 10 years of experience and endorsements in special education and English language learning. Resides in the suburbs of Chicago with…

Episode Summary: In this episode, Rob Gorski sits down with Dr. Usman Ali to discuss the nuances of pediatric dentistry, especially in relation to children with special needs such as autism and sensory processing disorders. Dr. Ali shares his insights on preventive care, strategies for reducing dental anxiety, and the options available for sedation and general anesthesia in a pediatric setting. About the Guest: Dr. Usman Ali is a dedicated pediatric dentist who has been practicing for over seven years. After completing his residency at the University of Rochester, he joined Akron Children's Hospital in Ohio. Dr. Ali specializes in treating pediatric patients, including those with special needs, and is deeply committed to making dental care accessible and comfortable for children facing various challenges. Resources Mentioned: Akron Children's Hospital Dental…

Summary In this conversation, Stacy Brookover, an intervention specialist, discusses her role in the school system and the importance of true inclusion for students with special needs. She explains the process of identifying students' needs and creating Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 plans. Stacy emphasizes the value of teacher training and the need for effective communication between parents and educators. She also provides insights on handling routine changes and addressing meltdowns in the classroom. About Stacey Brookover: Stacy is an Intervention Specialist driven by her son's autism diagnosis at age three. After earning her Master’s in Education Administration, she became a staunch advocate for true inclusion in schools. Stacy has developed specialized programs in public schools to foster the holistic growth of all students—socially, emotionally, and academically. Her mission…

Harry Psaros, author of the book 'From Struggle to Strength: A Father's Journey with Autism and the Power of Hope and Positivity,' shares his personal journey as an autism dad and the inspiration behind his book. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, resilience, and positivity in navigating the challenges of raising a child with autism. Psaros encourages parents to focus on continuous improvement, no matter where their child is on the spectrum, and to embrace their role as leaders in their child's journey. He also highlights the need for more voices and support for fathers in the autism community. About Harry Psaros: Harry Psaros is a passionate advocate and speaker on autism, residing near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a father with a deep personal connection to autism through his son, Harry…

Episode Summary: In this episode, Rob sits down with Kimberly Hauck, the Director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD). They discuss the crucial role the DODD plays in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families across Ohio. Kimberly details her journey from starting as a direct support professional to leading the department, emphasizing the department's commitment to advocacy and resource provision. Contacting The Autism Dad: For more information, to be a guest, or to become a sponsor, please visit theautismdad.link. Introduction: - Host: Rob Gorski - Guest: Kimberly Hauck, Director, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Key Points Discussed: 1. Kimberly Hauck's Background: - Over 30 years in the field of developmental disabilities, starting as a direct support professional and special education teacher, before moving into administrative roles.…

Episode Summary: In this insightful episode, Rob Gorski sits down with his eldest son, Gavin, who is autistic, to discuss the important and nerve-wracking journey of transitioning to adulthood. They delve into Gavin's experiences with job training, his first job, and the process of touring group homes as he plans his future. Key Points Discussed: - Transition to Adulthood: Gavin shares his progress and challenges as he navigates through important milestones like job training and exploring living arrangements. - Touring Group Homes: Gavin talks about his criteria for a suitable group home and his feelings about touring such homes for the first time. - Future Plans and Aspirations: Gavin discusses his aspirations to start a YouTube channel focused on gaming, aiming to build it as both a passion project and…

Welcome to another insightful episode of "The Autism Dad" podcast. In this episode, Rob Gorski, your host, sits down with Kevin Miller, an autism dad and the Executive Director of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), a state agency dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities in finding and maintaining employment. In This Episode, You'll Discover: - Kevin's Personal Journey: Kevin shares his personal story as an autism dad, discussing the challenges and revelations he and his family faced from early diagnosis to adulthood. - Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD): Kevin provides an in-depth look at OOD, detailing how the agency supports individuals with disabilities across Ohio, helping them achieve independence through employment. - The Power of Employment: Discover how Rob's son, Gavin, benefited from OOD's programs, gaining not just…

Summary In this conversation, Rob Gorski and Amber Arrington discuss the challenges and decisions involved in parenting adult children with autism. They address sensitive topics such as transitioning to adulthood, the need for independence, and the consideration of group homes. They also explore the emotional impact of making decisions like pursuing guardianship and the stigma attached to these choices. Amber shares her personal experience with her son living in a group home and highlights the importance of open conversations and support for parents navigating the complexities of autism parenting. About Guest Amber Arrington is a mother to 6 children, 3 of whom are autistic. Autism was once a word she feared and has become a word she loves. Now she helps parents navigate an autism diagnosis and the autism landscape as a…

In this week’s episode, Emmett, my 15 year old autistic son, and I answer a bunch of your autism related questions. Emmett dug through a huge list of questions you folks submitted via Facebook and create a list of 10 he wanted us to talk about this week. This was a lot of fun. :-) Resources and Links: Episode mentioned for future reference: "The Parent's Guide to Navigating Autism and Puberty" with Dr. Whitney Casares: theautismdad.link. Guest Expert: Emmett Gorski is a 15-year-old autistic advocate and the son of Rob Gorski, the influential blogger and podcast host behind "The Autism Dad." Passionate about raising awareness and understanding of autism, Emmett brings a unique, firsthand perspective to the conversation. Articulate and insightful, he has been featured on "The Autism Dad" podcast,…

Summary Lena Hartman from Make'm Smile Ohio discusses the organization's annual event that celebrates individuals with disabilities and their families. The event offers a party-like atmosphere with various activities, entertainment, and resource exhibitors. Lena emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and acceptance, ensuring that families feel comfortable and supported. Siblings are also included in the event to ensure they feel valued and celebrated. The event is free of charge and takes place on the second Saturday of July each year. Lena encourages people to get involved by volunteering or making donations to support the event.  makemsmileohio.org SAVE THE DATE: Nathaniel’s Hope 6th Annual Make ’m Smile Ohio Free For Everyone Saturday, July 13, 2024 11:00 am – 3:00 pm The Biggest Party Celebrating kids of all ages with Special Needs Harvestime…