Dads in Autismland

Send us Fan Mail When Jeffery May’s son Jackson was diagnosed with autism, he and his wife didn’t just search for answers, they created one. Our Amazing Minds isn’t just a children’s book; it’s a powerful tool for helping kids understand autism in a way that’s honest, inclusive, and visually relatable.  In this episode, Jeffery shares what it was like to process the diagnosis as a father, how grie...

Send us Fan Mail In this special solo episode of Dads in Autismland, host Mark de Grasse launches the Guide to Autismland series—a curated journey through the most impactful moments from the podcast’s first 27 episodes. Sharing his own experiences as a father to a profoundly autistic son, Mark dives into the earliest and often most confusing stage of raising a child on the spectrum: the diagnosis....

Send us Fan Mail Drawing from his personal journey as a father to a profoundly autistic son and insights from the first 26 episodes, Mark offers an encouraging and practical starting point for dads new to the autism journey.  With empathy and humor, he explores the emotional challenges, lifestyle changes, and community support that autism dads often encounter. This episode sets the tone for a powe...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt episode of Dads In Autismland, host Mark de Grasse sits down with David Lee—professor, podcaster, and father to 9-year-old Eddie, who is on the autism spectrum.  David shares his deeply personal journey, from early moments of uncertainty and shame to finding joy in the smallest victories. Together, they reflect on the unique trials and triumphs of raising an auti...

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of Dads in Autismland , host Mark de Grasse welcomes Eric Chessen, founder of Autism Fitness, to explore the long-term importance of physical health for autistic individuals.  Eric shares his journey from personal trainer to autism fitness pioneer, offering insights into motivation, movement planning, and individualized training for children and adults on...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Dads in Autismland , host Mark de Grasse welcomes fellow autism dad Mark Kendall for a heartfelt conversation about navigating public life with children on the autism spectrum.  Drawing from personal experiences with his 22-year-old nonverbal daughter, Mark Kendall opens up about the emotional and logistical challenges dads face—from handling staring strangers t...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt episode of Dads In Autismland , host Mark de Grasse sits down with Allan Young, founder of Autism Acres, a purpose-built sanctuary for children with autism and other special needs.  Allan shares his powerful journey from military service to creating a five-acre haven in Rochester, Washington for families like his own—including his three sons on the spectrum and a...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt episode of Dads In Autismland , host Mark de Grasse welcomes guest Matt Anderton, father of three-year-old Beckett, who was diagnosed with autism at just 13 months old.  Matt shares the emotional and practical aspects of their early diagnosis journey, the critical role nutrition and therapy have played, and his life-altering decision to leave a demanding job to b...

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of Dads in Autismland , host Mark de Grasse welcomes Graeme Wright—a father, entrepreneur, and recovery coach—who shares an inspiring, faith-driven journey through adoption, autism, addiction, and personal transformation.  Graeme opens up about adopting two children from China, one of whom was later diagnosed with autism, and how this experience unearthed...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Dads in Autismland, host Mark de Grasse sits down with entrepreneur and father of six Jason Vance, whose 21-year-old son is on the autism spectrum.  Jason shares the deeply personal and practical journey of raising a child initially diagnosed as moderately to severely autistic—who now lives independently with his grandparents and contributes daily to their small...

Send us Fan Mail In the season finale of Dads in Autismland, host Mark de Grasse reflects on the journey so far—what inspired the podcast, the powerful stories shared, and what lies ahead in Season Two.  With honesty and heart, Mark opens up about his personal experiences raising a son with severe autism, the emotional toll many fathers face, and the need for authentic male support.  He calls on f...

Send us Fan Mail On this heartfelt episode of Dads In Autismland , host Mark de Grasse sits down with autism dad and founder of The Spectrum Hope Fund, Tim Huck .  The two dive deep into the emotional and financial realities of raising a child on the spectrum—from the early days of diagnosis, ABA therapy, and mounting expenses, to losing friendships and navigating the complexities of fatherhood. ...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartwarming episode of Dads In Autismland, host Mark de Grasse welcomes Roger Kuhrt, a devoted father who shares his inspiring and humorous journey of adopting his son Gordy from South Korea during the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Roger opens up about the parallel challenges of adoption and autism—initially mistaking Gordy’s behaviors as effects of adoption, only to l...

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of Dads in Autismland, host Mark de Grasse sits down with Neal Tricarico, a devoted father and founder of Endurant Movement. Neal shares his deeply personal journey of raising his autistic son, Anthony, whose silent struggles with mental health ultimately led to tragedy. Through heartbreak, Neal and his family have transformed their grief into a mission—ra...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Dads in Autismland , host Mark de Grasse sits down with Mark Olson , founder of LTO Ventures , to tackle one of the biggest concerns for autism dads: What happens when we’re gone?   Mark shares his journey as a father to two daughters with developmental disabilities, his struggles navigating long-term care options, and how he turned a personal challenge into a m...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Dads in Autismland , host Mark de Grasse sits down with Jacob "Cheech" Cook , a dedicated father raising two sons—one autistic and one neurotypical.  Together, they dive into the unpredictable transitions that come with autism, from evolving communication challenges to sensory preferences and food aversions. Jacob shares his personal journey of recogni...

Send us Fan Mail Fatherhood is a journey—but raising a child on the autism spectrum adds layers of complexity, resilience, and growth that few understand. In this episode of Dads in Autismland, Mark de Grasse sits down with Patrick Hurley, a dedicated father balancing life with both a neurotypical and autistic son. Patrick shares his raw and unfiltered experience—from the early signs of autism and...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt episode of Dads in Autismland, host Mark de Grasse sits down with Scott Bisbee, a father of four, navigating the unique challenges of raising two children on the autism spectrum.  Scott opens up about his son Alex’s pathological demand avoidance (PDA), food struggles, and the unexpected journey of discovering his diagnosis during the pandemic. He also shares insi...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Dads in Autismland, host Mark de Grasse dives deep into the critical role of self-development for fathers raising children on the autism spectrum.  As the lifelong caregiver of his 12-year-old son Damien—who is nonverbal and requires full-time care—Mark shares his journey of acceptance, physical transformation, and mental resilience. He explores how fitness, fai...

Send us Fan Mail Ever felt like you were handed a puzzle with no picture on the box? In this unfiltered episode of Dads in Autismland, Corey Michael opens up about the rollercoaster of raising a neurodiverse family. With a five-year-old daughter on the spectrum, a wife with ADHD, and his own journey with Tourette’s, Corey knows firsthand what it’s like to piece together a life that doesn’t fit the...

Send us Fan Mail In this solo episode of Dads in Autismland , host Mark de Grasse takes on a frustrating but all-too-common topic—how to handle trolls, critics, and public judgment as an autism dad.  Whether online or in person, autism parents frequently face uninformed, judgmental, or outright cruel comments about their parenting choices.  He breaks down the three types of trolls , explores why p...

Send us Fan Mail Whether you're navigating the autism journey yourself or simply seeking insight into fatherhood's deeper moments, House's blend of vulnerability and quiet strength offers wisdom that resonates. His candid reflections and hard-earned perspective make this episode one worth your time. Between exploring stem cell therapy and running a tight ship at home, House opens up...

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of Dads in Autismland , host Mark de Grasse takes on a difficult but necessary topic—the use of the R-word and why it will never be acceptable. Mark dives into the word’s history, its dehumanizing impact on the autism community, and how language shapes public perceptions of disability.  Drawing from personal experience and historical context, he explores t...

Send us Fan Mail In this emotional and eye-opening episode of Dads in Autismland, host Mark de Grasse sits down with Alfred Samson, a dedicated father navigating the complexities of raising his autistic daughter, Sophie. Alfred shares the raw and deeply personal journey of discovering her condition—marked by seizures, an epilepsy diagnosis, and a potential Harvard medical study that could provide...

Send us Fan Mail SUMMARY In this heartfelt episode of Dads in Autismland, host Mark de Grasse takes listeners on a personal journey exploring the unexpected blessings and silver linings that come with raising a child on the autism spectrum.  Drawing from his experience as a father to Damien (12, severe nonverbal autism) and Declan (11, neurotypical), Mark offers a refreshingly honest perspective o...