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…

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Gavin, my 24 year old autistic son. We talk about a situation that occurred recently where Gavin was very, very upset at work and had to call me for help. I wanted to discuss this after some time passed because I’m very interested in what Gavin learned from this experience and I wanted to better understand what he was going through in the moment. We both feel like this is a great teaching moment. About Gavin Gorski Gavin is 24 years old, autistic and smack dab in the middle of his transition into his adult life. He’s currently working at his first job, going to day services, and getting ready to move out in the very near future. Gavin loves video games…

Episode Summary In this conversation, Rob Gorski speaks with Samantha Fox, a speech language pathologist and founder of Beyond Speech Therapy Center. They discuss non-speaking autism and the challenges related to communication. Samantha shares her journey into speech pathology and how she discovered the importance of motor control in communication. They delve into the concept of apraxia and when parents should be concerned about their non-speaking child. Hosted by Rob Gorski: Rob Gorski, a devoted single father to three incredible autistic sons, is the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. As a multi-award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, and influential social media figure for over a decade, Rob continues to share his family's journey, providing insights, resources, and support to the autism community. Connect with Rob by visiting theautismdad.link…

Episode Summary: In this heartfelt episode of "The Autism Dad" podcast, host Rob Gorski sits down with his 15-year-old son, Emmett, to reflect on the remarkable journey from Emmett's early years as a non-verbal child to his present as a confident young man. Rob and Emmett delve into the changes and challenges they've navigated together, including sensory issues, communication barriers, and personal growth. Through a candid and sometimes humorous conversation, they explore Emmett's evolution, the unique experiences of each of Rob's autistic sons, and the profound ways in which their family dynamics have shifted over the years. This episode offers listeners a window into the resilience, adaptability, and love that defines the Gorski family. Guest Expert: Emmett Gorski is a 15-year-old autistic advocate and the son of Rob Gorski, the…

Episode Summary: In this captivating episode of the Autism Dad podcast, host Rob Gorski is joined by Britta Koepf, a distinguished special needs financial planner. Their conversation delves into the essential yet often overlooked realm of special needs financial planning, offering insight and guidance to families navigating the financial complexities associated with caring for individuals with disabilities. This discussion breaks down the multi-faceted aspects of financial planning that go beyond the typical bounds of investments and retirement preparations. Britta emphasizes the significance of incorporating tax strategies, estate planning, understanding government benefits like SSI and Medicaid, and ensuring suitable insurance coverage, all whilst keeping the unique needs of disabled individuals in mind. She shares valuable advice on starting the financial planning process, no matter at what life stage one finds oneself,…

Episode Summary: In this moving and insightful episode of the Autism Dad podcast, host Rob Gorski sits down with Dr. Whitney Casares to discuss navigating medication for children with autism and ADHD. The conversation revolves around common concerns parents have about medications, the various remedies used, and the overarching emotional hurdles that accompany these decisions. The episode opens the floor to parents and caregivers seeking education and hope on this journey. Initially, Dr. Casares emphasizes the importance of balancing a child's health and comfort while acknowledging parental self-care. The dialog covers common medications, approaches to pediatric care for autism and ADHD, and the prevalent sense of guilt parents might experience when turning to prescriptions. Providing key insights and a sense of camaraderie, Dr. Casares offers reassurance with her expertise merged…

On today’s episode, I speak with my 24 year old autistic son, Gavin, talks about his transition into adulthood. We talk about everything for employment, independent living, and dating. Gavin is amazing and he’s so honest about what this journey is like for him and how it makes him feel. You don’t want to miss this. About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for the last 15 years. Connect with Rob: theautismdad.link Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Wee Meditate Wee Meditate—the meditation platform for kids of all abilities. Meet characters like Weasel with…

Summary In the conversation, Rob Gorski and Brittyn Coleman address the challenges of Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) in autistic children. They differentiate ARFID from sensory eating issues and discuss the nutritional difficulties these children face. Brittyn advises on supplement introduction and stresses the need for professional support. The importance of community among parents of autistic children is also highlighted. Additionally, Brittyn Coleman, an autism dietitian, speaks on the specific protein requirements for autistic children, noting that protein powders are often unnecessary and potentially harmful to their kidneys. She suggests using a food journal to assess a child’s dietary needs and underscores the role of fiber. Strategies for incorporating vegetables and fostering a trusting relationship with food are discussed, emphasizing a sustainable approach and community support. About Brittyn Coleman…

You won't believe what happened on New Year's Eve. Emmett, my 15 year old autistic son, and I have a fun chat about some things that happened over the holidays that we've not shared yet. 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, where he discusses topics ranging from identity-first language to the daily challenges and triumphs of being autistic. With a keen interest in technology and a natural ability to connect with people, Emmett is not only a voice for autistic teens but…