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, faith, and self-care are not just personal luxuries but essential tools for sustaining a lifetime of caregiving.
From unconventional training methods to breathwork, meditation, and therapy, Mark reveals the strategies that have helped him prepare for the long road ahead.
Whether you’re struggling with burnout, feeling isolated, or simply looking for practical ways to stay strong for your family, this episode is packed with insights and encouragement to help you thrive—not just survive—as an autism dad.
TOPICS COVERED
- Accepting the reality of lifelong caregiving for a child with severe autism
- Why self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential for long-term resilience
- Functional fitness: unconventional training for real-life strength
- Diet and inflammation: how nutrition impacts energy and well-being
- The power of faith, therapy, and meditation in navigating fatherhood
- Finding support through community, church, and self-improvement
- How to start small: one self-development habit at a time
QUOTES
"Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s a requirement if you’re going to take care of your family for the long haul."
"I don’t train to look good—I train to be strong enough to care for my son, no matter how big he gets."
"It doesn’t matter which self-improvement habit you start with—just pick one and begin."
DISCLAIMER
Every child's autism journey is unique. This video shares one family's personal experience and is meant for informational purposes only. Always consult with healthcare professionals for medical advice.
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!