The Autism Dad

The Autism Dad

Welcome to "The Autism Dad" podcast, hosted by Rob Gorski — a single father to three remarkable autistic children and the voice behind a widely-read blog that has been a lifeline for parents since 2010. With over a decade of firsthand experience, Rob's insights have not only impacted families worldwide but have also been featured on platforms like The Tamron Hall Show, ABC News, BBC Worldwide, CNN, and Entrepreneur Magazine. Join us every Tuesday and Thursday for fresh episodes that delve into the complex world of autism and special needs parenting. This podcast serves as a safe haven, offering a blend of personal stories, expert interviews, and actionable advice. Whether you're a parent navigating the nuanced challenges of raising a neurodivergent child or simply someone looking to better understand the realm of autism, "The Autism Dad" podcast provides understanding, support, and education for all. Don't go this journey alone; tune in and become part of a community committed to awareness, acceptance, and growth.

Episodes

Raising Body Confident Kids with Autism and ADHD (S8E28)

October 1, 2025 • 56 mins
How do we help our neurodivergent kids feel confident in their own bodies? That’s the big question in this week’s episode of The Autism Dad Podcast. I’m joined by Dr. Whitney Casares, pediatrician, public health expert, autism mom, and fellow at the American Academy of Pediatrics, to talk about her new book My One of a Kind Body: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Me. Dr. Casares opens up about raising her autistic and ADHD children,...
Mark as Played

Parenting Autism into Adulthood: My Son Gavin’s Journey at 25 (S8E27)

August 20, 2025 • 36 mins
In this episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, I sit down with my 25-year-old autistic son, Gavin, for a candid update on his journey. We talk about his transition out of a group home, what he’s learning along the way, and his hopes for the future. If you’re parenting autistic children or supporting neurodivergent kids as they grow into adulthood, this conversation offers both real-world challenges and encouraging progress. Gavin sh...
Mark as Played

Labeled and Loved: A Lifeline for Moms of Kids with Disabilities (S8E26)

August 13, 2025 • 37 mins
Parenting a child with disabilities often means putting your own needs last. But when you’re running on empty, burnout can take over and everyone feels the impact. In this episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, I talk with Dr. Regina Crone and Julie Hornok, co-founders of Labeled and Loved, an organization devoted to supporting moms raising kids with disabilities. Fresh off their appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Regina and Julie...
Mark as Played

Autism and Water Safety: What Every Parent Needs to Know (S8E25)

August 7, 2025 • 41 mins
This week, we’re talking about something every autism parent needs to think about—but many don’t until it’s too late: water safety and wandering. If you’ve ever felt the panic of not knowing where your child went or struggled to keep them safe near water, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Dr. Molly O’Shea, a pediatrician with the American Academy of Pediatrics, autism mom, and the official pediatrician for Goldfish Swim Sch...
Mark as Played

The Day This Autism Dad Almost Gave Up (S8E24)

July 30, 2025 • 72 mins
In this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, I open up about one of the darkest moments of my life—a time when the weight of burnout, single parenting, and undiagnosed ADHD nearly pushed me past the brink. But more importantly, I talk about the moment I chose five more minutes—and how that choice changed everything. Joining me is Dr. Kristen Guillory, a leading voice in men’s mental health and founder of...
Mark as Played

9 Year Old Aria Co-Hosts! Life, Laughter, and Lava Chicken (S8E23)

July 23, 2025 • 17 mins
Need a smile today? This episode is your dose of joy. Aria—my 9-year-old stepdaughter and fan favorite—is back on the podcast and taking over the mic. From overcoming her fear of water to her growing love for Stranger Things and Taylor Swift, Aria is full of heart, humor, and surprises. Stick around to the end for her incredible rendition of “NeverEnding Story.” You don’t want to miss it. Aria shares her world in a way only a n...
Mark as Played

Grandparenting on the Autism Spectrum: Support Without Overstepping (S8E21)

July 16, 2025 • 34 mins
In this powerful conversation, Rob talks with Jennifer Kaufman, educator, and grandmother to an autistic child - about the often overlooked but critical role that grandparents play in the lives of neurodivergent kids. Jennifer shares wisdom from her book Grandparenting on the Spectrum and opens up about navigating her dual role as both a seasoned professional and a grandparent still learning to step back. This episode is a must-l...
Mark as Played

What Siblings of Autistic Kids Wish You Knew (S8E20)

July 9, 2025 • 55 mins
When you’re parenting autistic children or kids with high support needs, it’s easy to wonder how it all impacts their siblings. Do they feel forgotten? Overwhelmed? Lost in the shuffle? In this heartfelt episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, I sit down with autism mom Amy Kelly and her adult son Danny for a raw, emotional, and hopeful look at the sibling experience—and why it matters more than we often realize. Amy is a powerhouse ...
Mark as Played

Neuroinflammation and Autism: What Every Parent Needs to Know (Part 2) S8E19

June 27, 2025 • 51 mins
Is your child struggling—and you’re not getting answers from “normal” tests? Hit play. This could change everything. In Part 2 of my powerful conversation with Dr. Theoharis Theoharides, we explore how neuroinflammation, mast cell activation, and overlooked biological factors can affect autistic children. We dive into my son Gavin’s journey, how traditional testing failed us, and what we discovered when we looked deeper. If you’ve...
Mark as Played

Neuroinflammation and Autism: What Every Parent Needs to Know (Part 1) (S8E18)

June 11, 2025 • 59 mins
Could neuroinflammation be driving your child’s symptoms? This episode will change how you think about autism and health. In this two-part series of The Autism Dad Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Theoharis Theoharides, one of the world’s leading experts in neuroimmune medicine and mast cell research. We dig deep into how inflammation in the brain—driven by overactive mast cells—can contribute to the struggles many autistic and neurod...
Mark as Played

Real Talk: Parenting a Child with Down Syndrome (S8E17)

June 4, 2025 • 46 mins
Episode Summary: In this powerful and deeply human episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, I sit down with husband-and-wife team Jeremy Dyen and Dr. Mika Gupta, co-founders of Mama Bird, to explore the emotional and transformative journey of parenting a child with Down syndrome. We talk about: Navigating a life-changing diagnosis Finding purpose in unexpected places Supporting your child’s unique needs without losing yoursel...
Mark as Played

Special Needs Financial Planning (Part 3) (S8E16)

May 28, 2025 • 32 mins
In this powerful conclusion to our three-part Special Needs Financial Planning series, I’m joined once again by Katy Bryan, a Special Needs Financial Planner with Skylight Financial Group. In this episode, we tackle the toughest part of the journey—planning for our child’s future after we’re gone. This isn’t easy to talk about, but having a plan in place can ease a lot of the anxiety many of us carry every day. Katy and I dive i...
Mark as Played

Special Needs Financial Planning (Part 2) (S8E15)

May 22, 2025 • 23 mins
Show Notes: Special Needs Financial Planning (Part 2) — The Autism Dad Podcast In this episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, Rob Gorski continues the special needs financial planning series with guest Katy Bryan from Skylight Financial Group. Katy specializes in helping families of children with disabilities plan for the future and shares key steps to prepare for your child’s transition to adulthood. Rob and Katy discuss why everyth...
Mark as Played

Understanding Non-Speaking Autism and Apraxia (S8E14)

May 7, 2025 • 40 mins
While my production computer is down, I’m re-releasing this powerful episode that so many parents found helpful the first time around. If you’re raising a non-speaking or minimally speaking child, or if you're trying to better understand apraxia and communication differences in autism—this conversation is for you. I’m joined again by Samantha Fox, M.A., CCC-SLP—an incredible speech-language pathologist and founder of Beyond Speech...
Mark as Played

Navigating Puberty With Autistic Kids (w/ Dr. Whitney Casares) (S8E13)

April 30, 2025 • 73 mins
This episode is being re-released for Autism Awareness Month. In this powerful and important conversation, I’m joined by returning guest Dr. Whitney Casares. She’s not only a Stanford-trained pediatrician and public health expert, but she’s also an autism mom raising two differently wired kids. Together, we tackle a topic many of us try to avoid—puberty. This episode is packed with practical advice, validation, and real talk for...
Mark as Played

Understanding Autism in Girls with Dr. Taylor Day (S8E12)

April 23, 2025 • 39 mins
April is Autism Awareness Month, and this episode with Dr. Tay is one of the most important conversations I’ve had. We dive into how autism shows up differently in girls—and why so many are missed or misdiagnosed. If you’re a parent, educator, or just want to better understand the nuances of autism, this one’s a must-listen. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Taylor Day (aka Dr. Tay), a licensed psychologist who specializes in neu...
Mark as Played

Aria’s Kid-Friendly Minecraft Movie Review (S8E11)

April 16, 2025 • 22 mins
Today’s episode is full of joy and Minecraft magic! Rob is joined by a very special guest, Aria. Aria is Kelly's 8 year old daughter with autism. Fresh off seeing the new Minecraft Movie, Aria shares her thoughts, favorite moments, and tips for parents wondering if it’s a good pick for their kids. They also dive deep into the game itself—breaking down game modes, favorite mobs, plushies, add-ons, and the endless creativity that mak...
Mark as Played

Gavin’s Journey to Independence (S8E10)

April 9, 2025 • 21 mins
In this special Autism Acceptance Month episode, I’m re-sharing an important and personal conversation with my oldest son, Gavin. Gavin is 25 years old, autistic, and immunocompromised. In this episode, we talk about his journey toward independent living and why he’s choosing to move into a group home. Gavin shares his thoughts, hopes, fears, and goals—including launching his own YouTube channel and building a sustainable future f...
Mark as Played

Special Needs Financial Planning (Part 1) – Building the Foundation (S8E09)

April 2, 2025 • 31 mins
Welcome to Part 1 of a powerful three-part series focused on special needs financial planning. In this episode, I’m joined by the amazing Katy Bryan, a Chartered Special Needs Consultant from Skylight Financial Group. Katy brings over 14 years of experience helping more than 250 families plan for their future. We’re breaking things down into real, understandable steps—starting with the basics. This episode focuses on the early sta...
Mark as Played

Before He Could Speak (S8E08)

March 26, 2025 • 21 mins
This week’s episode is deeply personal and incredibly important. I’m rereleasing this conversation from a previous season because the message still resonates just as strongly—and it’s something every parent, educator, and professional working with non-speaking kids should hear. What started as a simple audio test with my son Emmett turned into one of the most powerful and emotional conversations we’ve ever had. We were just testi...
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist

    CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist

    It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.

    Crime Junkie

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

    Stuff You Should Know

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

Explore

iHeart

Live Radio

Podcasts

Artist Radio

Exclusives

News

Features

Events

Contests

Photos

Information

About

Advertise

Blog

Brand Guidelines

Contest Guidelines

Subscription Offers

Jobs

Get the App

Automotive

Home

Mobile

Wearables

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.