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In this powerful episode of Dads in Autismland, host Mark de Grasse sits down with Neal Tricarico, a devoted father and founder of Endurant Movement. Neal shares his deeply personal journey of raising his autistic son, Anthony, whose silent struggles with mental health ultimately led to tragedy.

Through heartbreak, Neal and his family have transformed their grief into a mission—raising awareness about the critical gap between autism and suicide prevention. He opens up about the signs he missed, the emotional complexities of parenting a child on the spectrum, and how society’s perception of autism needs to change.

This conversation isn’t just about loss—it’s about hope, healing, and advocacy. Neal’s nonprofit, Endurant Movement, is leading the charge to bridge the gap between neurodiversity and mental health support. If you're a father raising an autistic child, this episode is a must-listen.

TOPICS

• Recognizing early signs of autism and anxiety in children
• The hidden struggles of autistic individuals who "mask" their condition
• The high risk of depression and suicide among autistic teens
• How COVID-19 intensified mental health challenges for autistic youth
• The importance of changing the autism narrative—removing the stigma of "disorder"
• Neal’s journey from grief to advocacy with the launch of Endurant Movement
• Practical advice for parents navigating autism & mental health

QUOTES

“To know one kid with autism is to know one kid with autism.”

“When that black-and-white mind decides they’re done, they’re done. It’s not for attention—it’s final.”

“We started to explore this idea and came to know that the only ones looking at it are in the United Kingdom. There’s a significant gap between autism, neurodiversity, and mental health.”

“When we had to make that difficult decision to take him off life support, we were doing it with him, and it created this energy of love and community.”

“We’re being called to something greater, and we have to keep our eyes open for it.”

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.

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