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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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Fatherhood is a journey—but raising a child on the autism spectrum adds layers of complexity, resilience, and growth that few understand. In this episode of Dads in Autismland, Mark de Grasse sits down with Patrick Hurley, a dedicated father balancing life with both a neurotypical and autistic son.

Patrick shares his raw and unfiltered experience—from the early signs of autism and the diagnosis process to navigating therapy, school transitions, and the emotional toll of meltdowns. He reflects on how shifting his mindset—from "fixing" his child to adapting his own approach—made all the difference.

This episode is for fathers who seek practical strategies, honest conversations, and a sense of solidarity in the autism parenting journey. Whether you're managing therapy decisions, advocating in the school system, or balancing your marriage and career with special needs parenting, this conversation offers insight, support, and real-world wisdom.

TOPICS COVERED

• The emotional journey of an autism dad: From diagnosis to acceptance
• How therapy, structure, & school choices shape progress
• Balancing attention between neurotypical & autistic children
• The reality of meltdowns and how to manage them effectively
• Why self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity for autism dads

QUOTES

"I spent many years thinking there was something I could do to fix him. It took a long time for me to accept that he doesn’t need to be fixed—I needed to fix my approach toward him."

"At the end of the day, they just didn’t have the resources. And they admitted that. They said, ‘We can’t provide him the level of support he needs.’ That was a hard pill to swallow as a father."

"My son knows he has autism, but I don’t think he sees himself as different. He just sees himself as Patrick. And I think there’s something really powerful in that."

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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In this heartfelt episode of Dads in Autismland, host Mark de Grasse sits down with Scott Bisbee, a father of four, navigating the unique challenges of raising two children on the autism spectrum.

Scott opens up about his son Alex’s pathological demand avoidance (PDA), food struggles, and the unexpected journey of discovering his diagnosis during the pandemic. He also shares insights into supporting his younger son, who is also showing signs of autism, while balancing the needs of his neurotypical children.

Mark and Scott discuss coping strategies, sensory-friendly home adjustments, and the emotional toll on parents, including the impact on mental health and marriage.

From building a sensory room to understanding the ever-changing food preferences of autistic kids, Scott shares the raw realities of parenting with honesty, humor, and wisdom. Tune in for an authentic, unfiltered look at what it truly means to be a dad in Autismland.

TOPICS

• Discovering Autism at Home – How Scott first recognized Alex’s signs during the pandemic
• Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) – What it is and how it impacts daily life
• Sensory Rooms & Special Diets – Practical adaptations for a smoother routine
• Mental Health for Autism Dads – Why self-care is a must, not a luxury
• Balancing Neurodiverse & Neurotypical Kids – Avoiding the appearance of favoritism
• The Struggles of Feeding an Autistic Child – Managing avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)
• Finding Support & Respite – Why community matters for fathers of autistic kids

QUOTES
"I used to push myself nonstop—work, kids, everything—until I finally admitted: My mental health is more important than constantly grinding."

"We fought the healthcare system for support, but they act like autism is just kids who don’t talk. They don’t get that it’s so much more than that."

"My advice? Just do your best. Your other kids know you’re trying, even when it feels like you’re not doing enough."

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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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.

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Ever felt like you were handed a puzzle with no picture on the box?

In this unfiltered episode of Dads in Autismland, Corey Michael opens up about the rollercoaster of raising a neurodiverse family. With a five-year-old daughter on the spectrum, a wife with ADHD, and his own journey with Tourette’s, Corey knows firsthand what it’s like to piece together a life that doesn’t fit the traditional mold.

From recognizing Evie’s early autism signs to navigating the overwhelming world of therapies, school systems, and public perceptions, Corey shares what it's really like to parent with intention—while also processing his own childhood experiences. We tackle the emotional weight of diagnosis, the trial-and-error of finding what works, and the faith that keeps him grounded through it all.

This isn’t about fixing our kids—it’s about understanding them. It’s about embracing neurodiversity as a different brain style, not a disorder. And it’s about having the conversations most dads never get to have.

Listen now to hear how one father is turning uncertainty into empowerment, one day at a time.

TOPICS COVERED:
- Recognizing early autism signs in Evie and the journey to diagnosis
- How a neurodiverse family adapts and supports one another
- The role of faith in accepting and embracing neurodiversity
- Navigating ABA therapy, school accommodations, and daily challenges
- Managing emotions as a father and supporting a highly empathetic child
- How routines and structured transitions make a difference in parenting

GUEST LINKS:
Corey Michael - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thecoreymichael/

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In this solo episode of Dads in Autismland, host Mark de Grasse takes on a frustrating but all-too-common topic—how to handle trolls, critics, and public judgment as an autism dad.

Whether online or in person, autism parents frequently face uninformed, judgmental, or outright cruel comments about their parenting choices.

He breaks down the three types of trolls, explores why people react negatively to autism behaviors, and offers practical strategies for managing these encounters with calm, confidence, and perspective.

Most importantly, he encourages autism dads to stand strong, support each other, and never let public opinion dictate their child’s experiences.

TOPICS

• Understanding Trolls: The three types—uninformed, judgmental, and cruel
• Public Judgment vs. Private Strength: Why autism parents face criticism
• Strategies for Handling Negativity: Ignoring, educating, or engaging?
• Personal Stories: Dealing with restaurant stares, airplane complaints, and online attacks
• Why Taking Your Child Out in Public Matters: Visibility, acceptance, and normalizing autism

QUOTE

"If you're dealing with trolls, sorry about that. But thank you for keeping your cool. It's the best for your family, and it's the best for your mental health, too." - Mark de Grasse

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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Whether you're navigating the autism journey yourself or simply seeking insight into fatherhood's deeper moments, House's blend of vulnerability and quiet strength offers wisdom that resonates. His candid reflections and hard-earned perspective make this episode one worth your time.

Between exploring stem cell therapy and running a tight ship at home, House opens up about the daily plays and audibles of autism parenting. The former defensive back brings his A-game to breaking down sibling dynamics, celebrating progress, and turning setbacks into comebacks.

Whether you're walking a similar path or just curious to hear an unfiltered story of fatherhood, House's reflections on persistence, growth, and unexpected joys make this conversation uniquely compelling. He shares his reality without polish or pretense—just honest words from one dad to another.

TOPICS

• Sibling Struggles & Breakthroughs – The complex relationship between his twin boys and the unexpected moments of connection.
• Fatherhood & Resilience – How Davon balances raising twins with autism while recovering from surgery.
• Exploring Stem Cell Therapy for Autism – Davon’s research, decision, and experience traveling to Mexico for treatment.
• The Role of Routine & Structure – How disruption impacts autistic children and the strategies that help stabilize them.
• The Emotional Toll & Rewards of Autism Parenting – Learning to embrace the journey and celebrate the small victories.
  
  

GUEST LINKS
Davon House – https://www.instagram.com/davonhouse31/?hl=en

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In this powerful episode of Dads in Autismland, host Mark de Grasse takes on a difficult but necessary topic—the use of the R-word and why it will never be acceptable. Mark dives into the word’s history, its dehumanizing impact on the autism community, and how language shapes public perceptions of disability.

Drawing from personal experience and historical context, he explores the dangers of normalizing offensive language and how it has been used to justify discrimination.

This episode isn’t just about calling out harmful language—it’s about education, advocacy, and protecting the dignity of autistic individuals and their families. Mark also shares practical ways to address the use of the R-word in everyday conversations, encouraging dads to stand up for their children with confidence and compassion.

If you've ever wondered how to respond when someone uses the term, this episode is a must-listen.

TOPICS

• The historical origins of the R-word and why it became offensive
• The real-world impact of dehumanizing language on the autism community
• How harmful language has historically led to discrimination and worse
• The importance of speaking up when you hear the R-word used
• Practical ways to educate others and advocate for respectful language
• The role of inclusion in shaping a better future for autistic individuals

QUOTE
“It doesn’t just dehumanize and devalue the autistic community—it also devalues everybody who supports the autistic community.” - Mark de Grasse

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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