The Autism Dad

Welcome to The Autism Dad Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Jonathon Smith, a dedicated special needs dad, to discuss his parenting journey with a son diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome. Jonathon shares his family's story, their struggles, and the challenges they faced navigating life with a complex genetic disorder. Most inspiringly, he explains how these challenges led to the creation of Safe Place Bedding, a company dedicated to providing safe, comfortable sleeping solutions for special needs individuals. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: - What is Angelman Syndrome?  Jonathon gives an overview of this rare genetic disorder, including symptoms like motor challenges, communication difficulties, and the prevalence of seizures. - Parenting a Child with Special Needs:  Insights into Jonathon’s journey, from the long process of diagnosis to the emotional challenges of acceptance and caregiving for life. - Creating Safe Place Bedding:  How a family trip and a sleepless night led to the invention of Safe Place Bedding, a line of secure, portable, and at-home sleeping solutions for individuals with special needs. - Making Travel and Home Life Easier:  Discover the features of the travel bed and home bed solutions that provide safety and comfort, helping families enjoy peace of mind wherever they are. - Insurance Coverage and Accessibility:  Jonathon breaks down how families can work with Medicaid and private insurance to obtain these innovative beds, with support provided every step of the way. Why This Episode Matters: This heartfelt conversation highlights the power of resilience and creativity in the special needs community. Jonathon’s journey emphasizes the importance of problem-solving and the impact of creating resources that help families facing similar challenges. Links & Resources: - Safe Place Bedding: Learn more about their travel and home bed solutions and how to apply for insurance coverage. Visit SafePlaceBedding.com - Contact Rob Gorski: Connect with me at theautismdad.com for more information about the podcast and resources for parents. Help Spread the Word! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Your feedback helps other families find this valuable resource. Don’t forget to share this episode with anyone who might benefit from Jonathon’s story and Safe Place Bedding. Thank you for your continued support, and I’ll see you in the next episode! This Week's Sponsors: Circle Care Services Circle Care Services offers personalized ABA therapy for children with autism in New Jersey and Georgia, providing support at home, in daycares, or clinics. Their skilled team partners with parents to build confidence and unlock each child’s potential. Visit circlecareservices.com or call (877) 460-1104. Grokkoli Hey parents! Is your child struggling with math? Meet Grokkoli, an AI tutor that helps kids progress multiple grade levels in months. Grokkoli identifies where your child struggles, meets them at their level, and is effective even for kids with learning disabilities, ensuring they get the support they need. Currently supporting K-5 math, Grokkoli is expanding to grow with your child, making it a great alternative to human tutors at a lower cost. Try Grokkoli free for 7 days! Visit grokkoli.com and use code “theautismdad” for 50% off your first month.

In this episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, host Rob Gorski speaks with Sarah Pearson, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at Circle Care Services, to shed light on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy in 2024. For many parents of autistic children, ABA therapy is a crucial consideration, yet it can be shrouded in controversy and misinformation. Sarah demystifies ABA, explaining how it has evolved and how today’s approach is centered on individualized, ethical support tailored to each child’s needs. Topics Covered: - Sarah’s Background: Sarah shares her journey from special education teaching to becoming a BCBA, driven by a passion to help kids on the autism spectrum reach their full potential. - Addressing ABA Controversies: Sarah discusses common misconceptions, including the outdated view that ABA is solely compliance-based. Instead, ABA in 2024 focuses on empowering children to gain independence through scientifically-backed, personalized methods. - Inside ABA Therapy: Sarah explains what ABA sessions look like today, from morning routines to skill-building exercises designed to increase independence and reduce parental stress. Parent involvement is highlighted as a key factor in maximizing ABA’s effectiveness. - Behavior Management: Aggressive behaviors are addressed thoughtfully, with Sarah explaining how ABA now emphasizes understanding the root cause rather than simply suppressing symptoms. - ABA Therapy as a Transitional Tool: Sarah clarifies that ABA is not necessarily a lifelong intervention. The goal is to provide children with the skills to navigate life independently, ultimately phasing out services when appropriate. - Choosing the Right BCBA: Rob and Sarah stress the importance of finding a BCBA who aligns with a family’s values and is receptive to feedback. They emphasize open communication, advocacy, and finding the right fit for each unique situation. Why This Episode Matters: For parents exploring therapy options, this episode offers a balanced perspective on modern ABA, encouraging informed decision-making. Sarah provides guidance on how to spot red flags, what to expect in sessions, and the importance of a collaborative, supportive therapeutic environment. Connect with Circle Care Services: Circle Care Services operates in New Jersey and Georgia, offering a range of services, including ABA therapy, parent support groups, and social skills programs. Circle Care Services About Sarah Pearson: Sara Pearson is a dedicated Special Development Coordinator and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at Circle Care Services, where she has been making a positive impact for the past three years. With a Master of Arts in Special Education, specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis from Seton Hall University, Sara is skilled in working with school-aged children, primarily in private and public educational settings. Follow Rob Gorski:  Website: https://www.theautismdad.com Instagram: @TheAutismDad Today's Sponsors: Dani Plan Introducing Dani Plan, an innovative online tool for organizing and managing care for individuals with special needs. Created by Joel and Debbie Pearlman, this platform lets you securely store medical details, daily routines, and emergency contacts in one place, making care transitions seamless. Try it free for 14 days, and use code "theautismdad" to save 25% on your first year at daniplan.com/theautismdad. Autism 360 Autism 360 is a neuro-affirming app for parents of autistic children, offering 24/7 expert guidance, personalized plans, and practical support for daily challenges. Trusted by thousands, it provides affordable, real-time help. Use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% Autism 360 Learn More: Mightier Mightier helps kids self-regulate emotionally through biofeedback-based video games. Learn more and get a discount at Visit Mightier. Use code “theautismdad22” to save 10%.

Episode Summary: In this heartfelt episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, Rob Gorski reconnects with his 18-year-old autistic son, Elliott, who co-hosts to share life updates and a peek into his creative journey. Rob and Elliott discuss the challenges of transitioning into adulthood, managing anxiety, and handling societal expectations like driving. Elliott opens up about the pressures he faces as he finds his path, and together they explore his unique strengths and accomplishments. Tune in to hear Rob and Elliott’s inspiring conversation and subscribe for more insightful episodes on parenting, autism, and family! Key Highlights: - Elliott’s Creative Venture: Learn about Autistic Eyes, Elliott’s digital photography business, where he shares his distinctive view of the world through his art. - Transition to Adulthood: Elliott candidly discusses the pressures of adult responsibilities, including his choice not to drive due to anxiety. - Managing Anxiety and ADHD: Rob and Elliott talk about navigating anxiety, understanding ADHD, and using coping mechanisms to improve mental health. - Movie Review of Wild Robot: Hear Elliott’s thoughts on Wild Robot, now his favorite movie, and why its wholesome storytelling resonated with him. - Support Elliott’s Work: Find out where you can follow Elliott on social media and support his photography store. Links Mentioned: - Autistic Eyes Photo Store - Follow Elliott on Instagram and Facebook - Connect with Rob: theautismdad.com Takeaway: This episode captures the journey of a father and son navigating life’s transitions, celebrating individual growth, and fostering creativity. Perfect for parents, young adults, and anyone who values open discussions on autism, mental health, and family life. Today's Sponsors: Dani Plan Introducing Dani Plan, an innovative online tool for organizing and managing care for individuals with special needs. Created by Joel and Debbie Pearlman, this platform lets you securely store medical details, daily routines, and emergency contacts in one place, making care transitions seamless. Try it free for 14 days, and use code "theautismdad" to save 25% on your first year at daniplan.com/theautismdad.

Episode Summary: In this insightful episode, Rob Gorski speaks with Anthony Pacillio, Vice President of Neurodiverse Solutions at CAI, about the unique challenges neurodivergent individuals face when entering the workforce. Anthony shares his journey of building neurodiversity programs, his personal experiences as someone with social anxiety and depression, and how these have fueled his passion for helping others succeed in employment. Rob and Anthony dive deep into critical topics, including how companies can create supportive environments for neurodivergent employees, the importance of early preparation, and the need for strength-based approaches in both education and the workplace. They also discuss the "cliff" many neurodivergent individuals face when they age out of school-based services and transition into adulthood. Rob shares his personal experience helping his son navigate employment, offering valuable insights for parents raising autistic and neurodivergent children. Key Takeaways:  - Creating Neurodiverse Work Environments: Anthony explains how companies can build effective neurodiversity programs that not only provide opportunities but also support individuals through personalized accommodations. - The Importance of Early Preparation: Both Rob and Anthony stress the importance of starting employment preparation early, teaching skills and building confidence throughout childhood and adolescence. - Overcoming Barriers to Employment: Anthony highlights the success stories of neurodivergent individuals thriving in various industries, from software engineering to healthcare. - Personal Growth and Advocacy: Anthony and Rob share their personal journeys—how understanding their own neurodivergence has shaped their perspectives as parents and advocates. Resources Mentioned:  - CAI Neurodiverse Solutions: [cai.io](https://cai.io)  - Autism Society of America  - Ohio's Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) program Connect with Anthony Pacillio:  Website: cai.io Follow Rob Gorski:  Website: https://www.theautismdad.com Instagram: @TheAutismDad This Weeks Sponsors Dani Plan Introducing Dani Plan, an innovative online tool for organizing and managing care for individuals with special needs. Created by Joel and Debbie Pearlman, this platform lets you securely store medical details, daily routines, and emergency contacts in one place, making care transitions seamless. Try it free for 14 days, and use code "theautismdad" to save 25% on your first year at daniplan.com/theautismdad. Autism 360 Autism 360 is a neuro-affirming app for parents of autistic children, offering 24/7 expert guidance, personalized plans, and practical support for daily challenges. Trusted by thousands, it provides affordable, real-time help. Use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% Autism 360 Learn More: Mightier Mightier helps kids self-regulate emotionally through biofeedback-based video games. Learn more and get a discount at Visit Mightier. Use code “theautismdad22” to save 10%.