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 powerful series designed to empower, connect, and guide fathers who may feel alone.
Whether you're just beginning your journey or need a refresher on shared experiences, this episode is a heartfelt invitation to join a supportive, no-judgment space built just for dads.
TOPICS:
- Why the “Navigating Autismland” series was created
- Mark’s personal experience raising a profoundly autistic son
- The importance of connection and avoiding isolation as an autism dad
- Addressing common challenges: diagnosis, family dynamics, stress
- Upcoming topics in the series: early signs, coping, advocacy, and more
- The need for individualized parenting strategies
- How humor and real talk build a stronger autism dad community
ADVERTISING LINKS:
Dads In Autismland Membership: https://dadsinautismland.com/dads-in-autismland-membership-the-pathfinder-collective/
QUOTES:
- "You’re not alone. As tough as your situation is, you don’t have to do it by yourself."
- "This is not about giving you exact steps—it’s about showing you options."
- "Every autism journey is unique, but the struggle of fatherhood unites us."
- "I believe my son is one of the happiest people I know. That makes me feel like a success."
- "You’ll get some humor—because otherwise, we’d just cry all the time, and that’s not an option."
ℹ️ Note: Every autistic person's journey is unique. This video shares one family's experience of finding success through focusing on interests and abilities rather than limitations. Always consult with appropriate professionals when developing employment plans.
Host
Mark de Grasse
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