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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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