The Autism Dadvocate Podcast

After a diagnosis, and on top of the swirl of emotions you're feeling, there are a multitude of decisions to make – specialists to meet with, therapies to pursue, leaving most Dads feeling overwhelmed and confused.   In this podcast, Paul interviews autism Dad Justin Nahama.  Justin provides a unique perspective to our community based on his career as a Marine veteran, former federal prosecutor, b...

In this podcast, Paul interviews Jeremy Hamburgh, Founder of  "My Best Social Life" –  an organization dedicated to providing strategies that give young adults with autism the confidence and skill to meet new people and attract them into their life.     They discuss how adolescents with autism can develop friendships and even romantic relationships.   Paul and Jeremy discuss the following: Jeremy'...

ABA.........t's such a highly charged topic in the autism community.  ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) is a type of therapy that teaches skills and proper behavior to ASD children through reinforcement and practice.   In this podcast, Paul interviews Shannon Penrod of the web TV series "Autism Live".  She is not only the parent of an ASD son, but she also has first-hand experience with ABA.   Pau...

Just in time for Mother's Day!  In this podcast, Paul interviews Holly Robinson Peete, actress and Founder of HollyRod Inc.  - an organization dedicated to raising autism awareness through education and kindness.  Holly and Paul discuss the unique (and diverse) roles Moms and Dads play in raising an ASD child. Paul and Holly discuss the following    Holly's son's (RJ's) diagnosis Is there a differ...

Each journey of the father of an ASD child is unique.  Yet, there are so many valuable lessons to be learned from other Dads - the struggles, the confusion, the everyday miracles, and most importantly - the precious insights learned along that journey.   In this podcast, Paul interviews Rodney Peete, NFL star and co-founder of the HollyRod Foundation with his wife, Holly.   They share their unique...

The "Cliff"….it's what every father of an autistic child dreads.  The cliff is when ASD children age out of support and services, typically between 18-21- and are left alone and unsupported to navigate young adulthood.   In this podcast, Paul interviews Eric Jorgensen, Founder of Special Needs Navigator – an organization dedicated to help parents navigate the maze of benefits, resources, and servi...

What does the future hold for our autistic children?  What advances or developments can we as Dads expect to see that impact our community?   In this podcast, Paul interviews Christopher Male, Founding Partner of the Autism Impact Fund – the first venture fund dedicated to investing in autism.   In this episode, Paul and Christopher discuss the following    Christopher's own amazing journey as the...

So, will my autistic teenager be able to get a driver's license?.....   Paul and Andrew Arboe, Founder & Creator of Driving with Autism, discuss the following: Andrew's own journey as a young adult with ASD Common challenges for ASD teenagers when learning to drive What Dads can do to prepare their ASD kids for driving How Dads can connect with "Driving for Autism" to help their ASD kids  

In this short solo episode, Paul discusses the duality of raising an ASD child.  On the one hand, the enormous gratitude for the miracles that these amazing children teach us.  And on the other hand, acknowledging the sharp reality of the many challenges Dads face when raising a child on the spectrum.

How can Dads keep an eye on the physical activity of their autistic kids?  This is a challenge given that many ASD kids have issues with gross and fine motor skills. In this episode, Paul interviews Shaun Danhouser, President and current Chair of TOPSoccer.  They discuss the following:   The role of sports for ASD kids The benefits of solo and team sports for ASD kids How Dads can prepare their ki...

The Ryan Express is a film about Robby, an autistic sixth grader, who can only move forward in his life by inventing a time machine to travel back and fix his biggest mistake.  The film will star Kevin Sorbo and feature a surprise cameo from legendary baseball pitcher, Nolan Ryan. They discuss the following: Hollywood's past depictions of autism in film and television How Rachael and Laura came to...

In this podcast, Paul interviews Danny Combs, Founder & CEO of T.A.C.T. (Teaching the Autism Community Trades)   He is also the father of an amazing son born on the spectrum.   Paul and Danny discuss the following:   Danny's own journey as the father of an autistic son The unacceptably high rate of unemployment within the autism community (80-90%) The Mission of TACT (Teaching the Autism Community...

In this episode, Paul interviews Dominick Quartuccio, co-host of the "Great Man Within" podcast.   They discuss the 4 spiritual lessons Dom has learned from his special needs sister. 1). Forgiveness is Freedom 2). Make Joy a Priority  3).  Receiving Begets Abundance 4).  Different is Beautiful  

Paul and Hunter discuss the following: Hunter's own story of growing up with ASD and his diagnosis Hunters experience as an ASD Dad How Hunter reacts when people say to him - "you don't act autistic" or "you don't look autistic"?......... How does it feel when you're "masking"? What are the top 3 most annoying myths / stereotypes associated with autism?

In this short solo podcast, Paul discusses the six most common misconceptions he hears about autism -- mostly in the ways that he typically "hears them" from those outside our community.  

In this interview style episode, Paul and Jim explore the shadow side of autism and ask one another the following questions.     Questions: Have you ever been Dad shamed? What was your hardest meltdown experience? How has having an ASD child affected your marriage? How has having an autistic child affected your mental health? How has having an autistic child impacted your social life? What is your...

Paul and Jaclyn discuss the following: · Jaclyn's own amazing personal connection to the Autism community (you don't want to miss this!) · The common challenges Jaclyn sees as ASD adolescents move into adulthood · Why coaching for those on the spectrum can be more effective than therapy · The mission and services provided by ASD Life Coaches, LLC   Show notes: Podcast Guest, Jaclyn Hunt - Founder...

In this podcast, Paul interviews Erik Feig, Founder & CEO of Feig Mediation Group, Inc.  He is also the amazing father of three neurodiverse children. Paul and Erik discuss the following: The amazing story and journey of Erik and his 3 children The phenomena of martial strain, separation, and divorce within the autism community What Dads need to know about maintain healthy constructive dialogue wi...

In this podcast, Paul interviews Jesse Morris, General Partner at Human Ventures, Inc.  He is also the fraternal twin to Paul, an amazing brother born on the spectrum.   Paul and Jesse discuss the following: The amazing story of Jesse and his 3 siblings, including Paul The evolution of his relationship with his brother over the years What Dads need to hear about being the sibling of a child with A...

In this podcast, Paul interviews Dr. Celeste Chamberlain, CEO of 3.14 Academy.  - an organization dedicated to raising autism awareness through education and kindness. Paul and Dr. Chamberlain discuss the following  Dr. Chamberlain's own experience raising 2 ASD sons Is there a difference in the experience of Moms raising ASD kids, versus Dads? What can Dads learn from Moms of ASD Kids? Dr. Chambe...

It's been almost two years since Autism Dadvocate was launched…. In this solo episode podcast, Paul reviews the top six themes he's heard from Dads of autistic kids the past two years.   Marital Strain Loneliness, isolation, mental health issues Guilt & regret Distance & discord with extended family Challenges with schools, IEPs, and therapies Resentment, even anger   Maybe you see yourself in som...

So…....you think your child may be on the spectrum?  You've seen a few indicators, but don't know where to start.  In this podcast, Paul interviews Jason Himber, CEO of Easy Speech Therapy Center - an organization dedicated to providing ASD children customized approaches for language, behavioral and occupational therapies. Paul and Jason discuss the following  Jason's own amazing journey as the fa...

In this podcast, Paul interviews Eric Jorgensen, founder of Special Needs Navigator.  More importantly, Eric is a single father of an ASD child who has an amazing & compelling life story that led him to single parenthood.  This is an intense, emotional podcast between two Dads "going deep".   In this episode, Paul reviews the following: Eric's career in the US Navy His sudden thrust into single fa...

2020 was the most challenging year in our lives.  Between the pandemic, civil unrest, a hostile political landscape, a contentious election, and disturbing events at the US Capitol, our resiliency was tested to the brink.  In this episode, Paul reviews some basic principles on how fathers can remain resilient in 2021 and come out of this year stronger and more successful.   In this episode, Paul r...

In this podcast, Paul interviews Kim Evensen, CEO & Founder of Brothers, and the author of two books on male friendship:  "Brothers" and "The Real Bro Code".  This episode is a follow-up to Paul's prior podcast "The Epidemic of Loneliness with Dads of Autistic Kids". Together, they discuss the following: Why is this topic important for men?  (and it is…) Why do strong friendships matter, particula...