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 hidden wounds from his past. From relapsing into addiction to rebuilding his capacity to love and lead, Graeme shares how faith, community, and vulnerability reshaped his understanding of fatherhood.
With raw honesty, he explores the spiritual and emotional depths of raising a child on the spectrum while advocating for other fathers to break isolation and seek healing. Whether you’re a dad in crisis or one seeking connection, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and hope.
TOPICS:
- Adopting two children from China and discovering an unexpected autism diagnosis
- How faith and scripture helped reshape Graeme’s response to adversity
- Why secure attachment is critical for children, especially those with trauma
- The importance of community and male vulnerability in healing
- Lessons from operating a business that employed autistic adults
- Practical insights for dads learning to lead through love, not control
GUEST LINKS:
Graeme Wright – 837 Recovery and Coaching: https://837recovery.com
ADVERTISING LINKS:
The Pathfinder Collective Autism Dad Group: https://dadsinautismland.com/pathfinder
QUOTES
"Adoption didn’t just change my family—it revealed how selfish I really was. God used my son to break that in me."
"When life is all about you, you can’t see God’s plan. But when it becomes about His story, everything starts to make sense."
"You're not alone. Get out of the dark room, step into the light, and let other men surround you with love and truth."
"My son’s autism didn’t ruin my life—it refined it. I wouldn’t change anything, because through him, God brought me closer to who I’m supposed to be."
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
Popular Podcasts
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!