In this episode, Rob Gorski is joined by Amber Arrington from Autism Savvy. They delve into the topic of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), an often misunderstood profile within the autism spectrum. Amber shares her personal experiences as a mother of three autistic children, including a daughter who exhibits PDA traits. The discussion covers the challenges of navigating PDA, strategies for support, and the importance of educating both parents and educators. Takeaways Pathological demand avoidance (PDA) is a profile of autism that is not officially recognized in the United States but is more widely recognized in the UK and Australia. Children with PDA exhibit a persistent drive for autonomy and have strong reactions to perceived demands, often responding with resistance or refusal. Parents of children with PDA face challenges in navigating…

In this episode, Rob Gorski speaks with Susie Liberator, an entrepreneur and dedicated mother who shares her journey of balancing a thriving business career with raising a son diagnosed with autism. Susie opens up about the challenges and triumphs of leaving the corporate world to support her son's needs and offers valuable insights and advice for other parents on similar paths. About Susie Liberatore: Susie Liberatore is an entrepreneur and devoted mother, who left the corporate world to support her son after his autism diagnosis. She built a successful marketing agency and a software company, balancing work with her son's therapy and education. Based in Ohio, Susie advocates for autism awareness and support, encouraging parents to ask questions and trust their instincts. Connect with her at SusieLiberatore.com. About Rob Gorski…

Summary In this episode, Rob Gorski interviews Dani Kinsley, an occupational therapist and product developer at Super Duper Publications. Dani shares how Super Duper creates a variety of educational tools, including card decks, books, games, and software, designed to support skills like speech articulation, problem-solving, and daily living activities. These user-friendly resources are crafted for both clinicians and parents, making them ideal for home use. Dani emphasizes the enduring value of analog learning tools, despite the digital trend, and notes Super Duper’s commitment to developing evidence-based products for neurodivergent learners. Listeners can explore their wide range of educational products on Super Duper’s website to support their children’s learning at home. About Guest: Dani Kinsley is an occupational therapist and product developer at Super Duper Publications. With a background in clinical…

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 Kevin's son, Gavin, benefited from OOD's programs, gaining not just…