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In this episode of Dads in Autismland, host Mark de Grasse sits down with Jacob "Cheech" Cook, a dedicated father raising two sons—one autistic and one neurotypical.

Together, they dive into the unpredictable transitions that come with autism, from evolving communication challenges to sensory preferences and food aversions. Jacob shares his personal journey of recognizing the signs, navigating diagnosis, and learning how to adapt as his son, Beau, grows.

With humor, honesty, and real-life experiences, Mark and Jacob discuss everything from the importance of early diagnosis to the role of ABA therapy, as well as the unique sibling dynamic between Beau and his older brother.

They also touch on self-care for dads, the power of patience, and the surprising ways autistic children perceive the world. If you’re in the trenches of autism parenting, this episode offers both reassurance and practical insights.

TOPICS COVERED:

• Recognizing early autism signs & the journey to diagnosis
• How autism behaviors evolve over time (sensory habits, communication, food preferences)
• The unique sibling relationship between a neurotypical and autistic child
• Strategies for handling self-harm, meltdowns, and communication frustration
• The importance of self-care for autism dads and finding outlets like music, exercise, and hobbies
• How exposure to autism helps build empathy and understanding in siblings and the broader community

QUOTES:

• "If there was a toy with a tag on it, he wouldn't play with the actual toy. He would flap the tag back and forth, back and forth." – Jacob Cook
• "He knows where we're at in town—if we pull up to the rec center, he knows right away. He’s all stoked, hands flapping, making a bunch of noise." – Jacob Cook
• "He’s the only kid I have that will drive for four hours and not even make a peep." – Jacob Cook
• "He used to eat everything—ramen, spaghetti, rice, cheeseburgers—and now I’m like, ‘Oh no, what happened?’" – Jacob Cook
• "If you're mad, they’re gonna probably be mad too. They feed off your energy." – Jacob Cook

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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