The Autism Dadvocate Podcast

What should parents know before bringing an autistic child to the ER or doctor's office? This episode offers real-world strategies and expert insight to help you advocate for better care. In this episode, Paul sits down with Mojdeh Mostafavi, a Master of Public Health (MPH) candidate at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, to explore how and why the health care system often falls short f...

What happens when years of neurodiversity advocacy collide with the reality of raising an autistic child?    In this episode, Paul talks with Charles Kransberger, a neurodiversity expert and father, about his journey and insights. They explore practical strategies for supporting autistic children, planning for the future, and creating meaningful opportunities at home, in school, and in the workpla...

What happens when families procrastinate planning for their autistic child's future? In this episode, Paul sits down with Michael Pereira, founder of The Autism Voyage® and father of a neurodivergent child, to uncover the hidden risks families face when they delay essential steps in planning for their child's future. Too often, parents focus on surviving today's demands, therapies, school meetings...

In this episode, Paul sits down with Jett Stone, a leading psychologist specializing in men's mental health, to explore the unique emotional challenges faced by fathers of autistic children. Often overlooked in the broader conversation, these fathers frequently navigate their journeys in isolation—quietly bearing the weight of uncertainty, stress, and profound love for their children. We'll discus...

In this episode, Paul is joined by Michael Szafron, a Vice President of Sales & Operations who was diagnosed with autism at age 41. They dive into the real-life challenges autistic professionals face at work—from getting hired to moving up the ladder—and share honest insights on navigating workplace relationships, culture, and career growth.   Michael and Paul will discuss the following: how the h...

In this episode, Paul is joined by Jodi Carlton, a leading world expert in mixed neurotype relationship dynamics and communication.   Her YouTube channel - Neurodiverse Relationships - has amassed 15,000 subscribers and 1,000,000+views of its video content.     Jodi and Paul discuss the following: -understanding the unique relationship dynamics within the autism community -how autistic teens can b...

In this episode, Paul interviews Stefan Bjes, Founder of Blue Line Spectrum Safety and a patrol sergeant with 19 years of experience in the greater Chicago area. Stefan is also the father of two autistic sons. We'll explore a critical topic for parents of autistic children: how to prepare them for interactions with law enforcement, particularly during traffic stops. Together, we'll discuss strateg...

Yep, we're going there, going deep into the pure messiness of being the father of an autistic child.  In this solo podcast, Paul goes deep and vulnerably into all the areas where fathers are challenged, particularly with all the different roles that these amazing Dads play every day.   Paul discusses the following roles: Surprise, surprise!  you're a human being first before your role as a Dad Oka...

In this podcast, Paul interviews Susanna Lovell, Life Coach and author of the recently-released book  -  Your True Self Is Enough: Lessons Learned on My Journey Parenting a Child with Autism ".   Susanna shares her journey of navigating through the worry and heartbreak of raising a special needs child.  She ultimately finds her true life calling: to help other parents find and realize joy and pass...

In thisepisode, Paul interviews Manisha Lad, who is the Founder of The Sensory Pathway Center in New Jersey.  Just in time for Mother's Day, Manisha shares her journey as the mother of an autistic son, and how it propelled her to found her own non-profit to help other moms (and Dads) on their autism journeys.   Paul and Manisha discuss the following: Akhil' s diagnosis at a very young age What Man...

Within the autism community, parents often navigate the complex comorbidities associated with autism, including mental health issues.   The latest Autism Dadvocate podcast shares one father's journey with autism, love and ultimately - grief.  My guest is this episode is Robert Hubbard, whose latest book - Scenes with my Son - shares his courageous story.   Paul and Robert discuss the following: Ro...

Burnout...........we hear this term everywhere…….office workers, nurses, teachers, police officers, working Moms…  but is the phenomena of burnout different for parents with autistic kids? The answer may surprise you (and it's a resounding yes).   Within the autism community, parents navigate therapy appointments, IEP meetings, endless calls with health insurance companies, meltdowns, special diet...

Our current US Surgeon General – Vivek Murthy – recently stated that loneliness in the U.S  has become epidemic, and is as detrimental to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.   Within the autism community, this isolation is particularly pervasive amongst fathers of children on the spectrum……   In this episode, Paul and Andrew Horn, CEO of Tribute and Executive Men's Coach, discuss the follo...

As Dads, we want the best for our kids, right?  However, when we as Dads set neurotypical standards for our neurodiverse kids, we are not being good Dads.  In fact, we're doing just the opposite.   In this podcast, Paul interviews Jude Morrow, CEO of Neurodiversity Training International, author, and TedX speaker.   They discuss the unique dynamics between neurotypical Dads and neurodiverse kids  ...

What if you were the father of two autistic children, only to be diagnosed with autism yourself at the age of 41?   This is the compelling story of Jeremy Rochford.    In the latest Autism Dadvocate podcast, I interview Jeremy Rochard.  Jeremy is an author, TedX speaker, weight loss coach, standup comedian, and all-around amazing (and funny!) guy.    We discuss his fascinating journey with autism,...

80-85% of young autistic adults are unemployed and underemployed………………………………………   It doesn't have to be this way. …..   Many organizations are now incorporating neurodiversity as a part of their broader DEI efforts.  Furthermore, there is deeper awareness and support for neurodiverse employees in the workplace.    Nonetheless, young autistic adults face immense challenges as they enter the workfor...

For children with autism, masking is a social survival strategy.   There is often pressure on autistic children to perform social behaviors that are considered "normal " or neurotypical. Some children hide their neurodiverse behaviors in order to fit in.   Regardless of its positive intentions, masking can lead to serious health consequences, such as depression, anxiety, autistic "burnout", and ev...

75-80% of marriages with an autistic child end in separation or divorce.  This often-cited statistic (though open to dispute), no netheless reveals the challenges of a marriage with an autistic child. In this podcast episode, Paul engages in a lively and organic conversation with a panel of professionals on this topic, including Jeremy Hamburgh and Ilana Smith of mybestsociallife.com, as well as D...

Need a little inspiration?  Then, listen to the compelling story of Debra Vines, who was introduced by Holly Robinson Peete as a 2022 Top 10 CNN Hero at the CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute last December.   Debra shares her personal journey as the Mom of an autistic son, which includes isolation, mental health challenges, addiction, and even incarceration.   Paul and Debra discuss the following: De...

25-30% of autistic children are minimally verbal or do not speak at all, although this is not a reflection of their intellectual ability.     For their Dads, it is critical they seek out augmentative or alternative communication methods, such as speech therapy.   In this podcast, Paul interviews Lenora Edward, Chief Knowledge Officer of Better Speech, a leading online speech therapy provider for A...

2022 is coming to a close.  In this short solo podcast (the first one in quite some time), Paul reflects back on 2022, invites the Autism Dadvocate community to look ahead to 2023, and ends the episode with an exciting announcement.   Paul discusses the following: Past episodes from 2022 (and why they mattered) Future topics for 2023 that the Autism Dadvocate community has asked Paul to go deeper...

What if everything we know about parenting is wrong?  Neurotypical styles are handed down and applied to our autistic kids.    In this podcast, Paul interviews Orion Kelly, Founder of the YouTube channel "That Autistic Guy"  –  with over 42,000 subscribers.     Orion is not only the father of an autistic son, but was diagnosed himself with autism after becoming a father.   We discuss Orion's  expe...

Part of our role as fathers is to prepare for our children's future - their care, their education, their independence, and what they'll do when we're gone.  For fathers of autistic children, these issues become even more important. Paul joins Andrew Komarov, Founder of Planning Across the Spectrum, in an active discussion around what fathers need to know about finances and financial planning for t...

You've noticed how much your son or daughter loves interacting Alexa.  She is unflinching in her patience in answering any questions your autistic child asks her, even helping to build your child's conversational skills. In this podcast, Paul interviews Dr. Zamora Olin, an expert in Digital Transformation and Data Analytics.  Dr. Olin provides an overview of the role that Artificial Intelligence (...

80-85% of autistic adults are unemployed or underemployed……………………………………… This is the statistic that keeps me awake at night. Young autistic adults face immense challenges - and yes, even discrimination - as they enter the workforce.  Paul enters into a lively discussion on this topic with Rebecca Beam, CEO & Founder of Zavikon, an organization dedicated to matching neurodiverse candidates with emp...