Welcome to "The Autism Dad" podcast, hosted by Rob Gorski — a single father to three remarkable autistic children and the voice behind a widely-read blog that has been a lifeline for parents since 2010. With over a decade of firsthand experience, Rob's insights have not only impacted families worldwide but have also been featured on platforms like The Tamron Hall Show, ABC News, BBC Worldwide, CNN, and Entrepreneur Magazine. Join us every Tuesday and Thursday for fresh episodes that delve in ...
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welcome to a parenting space actually designed for YOU! where you can get answers about navigating a life that includes autism. I’m Dr. Tay, a licensed child psychologist specializing in autism and neuroaffirming care. I have supported 100s of autistic children and their families and have been in the autism field for over a decade. on this podcast, we focus on supporting your autistic child AND your whole family, including you! every topic is on the table, and your questions (which you can s ...
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If you're raising an out-of-the-box kid, you've likely struggled with doubt, guilt, and shame in your motherhood. "Am I crazy?" you've likely wondered. "What am I doing wrong?" You've probably never met another mother raising a neurodiverse child like yours, and truth be told, your mental health has suffered. Host Megan Champion gets it and has a mission to bring connection and support to mothers raising neurodiverse children. Each week, a brave and vulnerable mom shares her story to the wor ...
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139 | all things psychiatry: a follow-up Q+A with Dr. Arielle Rubin
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ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this podcast episode, Dr. Tay welcomes back Dr. Arielle Rubin, a triple board certified psychiatrist, to discuss the role of psychiatry for autistic children with co-occurring mental health conditions. This is a follow-up to episode 94, where Dr. Rubin answers parent-submitted questions. 00:00 Introd…
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Autism, Anxiety & Adulthood: My Son’s Journey to Independence (S7E39)
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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. El…
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Neurodiversity in the Workplace with Anthony Pacillio (S7E38)
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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 de…
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138 | 7 themes I’m seeing for autistic kids as a child psychologist
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ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay discusses the key themes she is seeing in clinical practice. Dr. Taylor Day is a licensed psychologist specializing in neurodiversity affirming care and shares insights regarding common referral questions as well as what many families in her group therapy program are navigating.…
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Understanding ADHD with Dr. Robert Melillo (S7E37)
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In this episode, Rob Gorski dives deep into the neurological world of ADHD and autism with expert guest Dr. Robert Melillo. Dr. Melillo is a renowned clinician, researcher, and author with over 30 years of experience in developmental functional neurology. Best known for his book Disconnected Kids, he specializes in helping children with ADHD, autis…
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137 | understanding trauma-informed care with Rachel Archambault @ptsd.slp
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⚠️ DISCLAIMER >> this episode dives into trauma-informed care but highly sensitive topics are discussed, including Rachel’s personal experiences with a nationally publicized traumatic event while working at a school in 2018 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this podcast episode, Dr. Tay hosts Rachel Archambault, a speech-language pat…
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Navigating Autism as a Dad: Joel Pearlman’s Journey (S7E36)
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In this episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, Rob Gorski speaks with Joel Pearlman, father to a non-verbal autistic daughter, Danielle. Joel opens up about the emotional challenges of receiving an autism diagnosis, navigating fatherhood, and his family’s journey of acceptance. He shares how he and his wife created the Dani Plan, a digital tool to help…
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136 | understanding obsessive traits in autism
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ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay explores obsessive traits in autistic children, inspired by a conversation with Katherine @theneurodiversitymom. The discussion focuses on distinguishing between autism-related behaviors and potential co-occurring conditions like OCD. The episode highlights the need for diagnost…
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135 | discovering your neurodivergence: autism and ADHD diagnosis in adults with Dr. Salena Justice
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ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay explores the topic of neurodivergence in adults, particularly parents, with guest Dr. Salena Justice, a psychologist specializing in late diagnoses of autism and ADHD. They discuss the indicators of neurodivergence, the evaluation process, and the differences between self-diagno…
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One Autism Dad’s Journey Towards Acceptance (S7E35)
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In this week's episode, Rob Gorski sits down with Shaun Hampton, a father of two autistic boys, to discuss his parenting journey, the emotional rollercoaster of diagnosis, and the ways his family has navigated life with autism. Shaun shares insights into the diagnostic process, the challenges of acceptance, and how his family has turned their exper…
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134 | the real meaning behind child-led therapy with Nicole Casey @connectionsspeechpathology
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ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay discusses child-led therapy with Nicole Casey, a speech-language pathologist known for her work with gestalt language processing. The conversation delves into the importance of child-led approaches, how they differ from traditional methods, and what parents should look for in th…
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133 | PDA and ODD: clarifying the differences
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In this mini episode, Dr. Tay discusses the distinction between Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Inspired by conversations with parents in her group therapy program, she delves into the complexities and overlaps between the two diagnoses. Dr. Tay emphasizes the importance of understanding PDA within the f…
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Autism and ARFID: One Family's Journey (S7E34)
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Episode Description: In this episode, I chat with Megan Brannan, mom to a five-year-old boy named Rory, diagnosed with autism. Megan shares her journey from early concerns about Rory’s speech delay to facing long waitlists for a diagnosis, all while navigating COVID-19 hurdles. She emphasizes the importance of trusting parental instincts when devel…
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132 | unlocking communication: an introduction to Spell to Communicate with Kaley Stymeist
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In this episode, Dr. Tay interviews Kaley Stymeist about "Spell to Communicate" (S2C), a method used to support non-speaking autistic children in expressing themselves. Kaley shares her journey with her son Hudson, who is progressing his communication through S2C after language regression. The discussion covers the methodology of S2C, emphasizing i…
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131 | the privilege of choice: nuanced discussion around ABA
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Dr. Tay shares a mini-episode where she dives into the complexities and controversies surrounding Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy in the autism field. She presents a balanced perspective on ABA, emphasizing the importance of informed consent and considering the diverse needs and privileges of families. Dr. Tay also highlights different neur…
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130 | navigating fatherhood and autism with Rob Gorski
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ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay welcomes Rob Gorski, known as The Autism Dad on social media, to discuss his experience as a father raising three autistic children. They explore the unique challenges and opportunities of fatherhood in the autism community, the grief process associated with diagnoses, and the i…
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Episode Summary: In this episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, host Rob Gorski talks with returning guest Amber Arrington, founder of Autism Savvy. Together, they explore the challenges and successes of helping their adult autistic children transition into independent living, whether through group homes or other arrangements. Rob shares his experience…
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129 | from diagnosis to adulthood: author Carrie Cariello's insights
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ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay speaks with Carrie Cariello, a mother of five, including an autistic young adult. Carrie shares her family's journey, advocacy work, and the unique challenges and triumphs of raising an autistic child. They discuss practical strategies for fostering independence, the importance …
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Episode Description: In this insightful episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, host Rob Gorski is joined by Dr. Taylor Day, a licensed psychologist who specializes in neuroaffirming care for autistic children and their families. Dr. Day offers her expertise on a topic that is critical yet often misunderstood—how autism presents differently in girls com…
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Balancing Motherhood, Autism, and a Thriving Career (S7E31)
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Episode Description: In this compelling episode, Rob Gorski, host of The Autism Dad Podcast, sits down with Danusia Malina-Derben, a mother of ten and a successful business consultant, to discuss the complexities of balancing motherhood, especially when raising neurodiverse children, with a demanding career. Danusia shares her journey from being a …
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128 | ACT and neurodiversity affirming approaches in ABA with Unfurling Littles
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ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay hosts Maggie of Unfurling Littles and explores Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) lens. They discuss how to incorporate neurodiversity-affirming practices into ABA to create a compassionate, child-led approach. Maggie shares her journ…
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Unlocking Math Success for Kids with Special Needs (S7E30)
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Episode Description: In this episode of *The Autism Dad Podcast*, Rob Gorski interviews Eric MacKinnon, founder of Grokkoil, an AI-powered math tutoring platform tailored for kids with special needs like ADHD, dyslexia, and autism. Discover how Grokkoil is transforming special education by personalizing math learning experiences, diagnosing learnin…
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127 | launching “EVOLVE the membership”: in-depth neurodiversity affirming education + support
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👉🏼 ENROLL NOW >> http://drtaylorday.com/membership If you find value in this podcast and want even more support, tune in to learn about “EVOLVE the membership.” This new membership offers a lower-cost, flexible alternative to traditional clinical services, designed to provide accessible support and education for autism families. I share personal in…
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126 | AAC part 2 with speech therapist Rachel Madel
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ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 Dr. Tay and Rachel Madel, a speech language pathologist specializing in AAC, dive into the benefits of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for autistic children, both non-speaking and verbally fluent children. They dispel common misconceptions about AAC, discuss various high-tech and low-te…
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Navigating Autism, Picky Eating, and the School Year (S7E29)
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Introduction: In this episode, we dive deep into strategies for helping children with autism navigate picky eating and sensory challenges, especially as they transition back to school. Our guest, Brittyn Coleman, a registered dietitian specializing in autism, shares invaluable tips and insights. Summary: Brittyn Coleman discusses the common challen…
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ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay welcomes Stefanie, the president and co-founder of the nonprofit Lilly's Voice. Stefanie shares the inspiring story of her non-speaking autistic daughter, Lilly, whose journey with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices led to the creation of the nonprofit. Lil…
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Meltdowns vs Shutdowns: A Conversation with Meghan Bailey (S7Ee28)
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Episode Summary: In this episode of "The Autism Dad" podcast, Rob Gorski interviews Meghan Bailey, a mother of an 11-year-old son on the autism spectrum. Meghan shares her parenting journey, discussing the initial autism diagnosis, her approach to parenting a neurodiverse child, and the concept of autistic shutdowns versus meltdowns. The conversati…
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124 | navigating social media, research, and BIPOC representation in the autistic community with Kaligirwa @blackspectrumscholar
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ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 Dr. Tay is joined by Kaligirwa @blackspectrumscholar, an AuDHD communication researcher, to discuss the intersection of neurodiversity and research, with a particular emphasis on BIPOC representation within the autism community. Kali shares her personal journey of discovering her autism diagnosis and he…
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Enhancing Safety and Independence: Assistive Tech for Autism with Melissa Schiefelbein (S7E27)
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Episode Description: In this episode, Rob Gorski sits down with Melissa Schiefelbein, a board-certified behavior analyst, parent of a child with autism, and Clinical Advisor at AngelSense. Melissa shares her journey from being a concerned parent to becoming a professional in behavior analysis. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of raising a …
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123 | nurturing yourself: self-compassion and self-care with Emily Hamblin
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ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 Dr. Tay and Emily Hamblin, a parent coach and neurodivergent mom of four, discuss practical strategies for self-compassion, regulating the nervous system, and addressing the challenges parents face. The episode covers the crucial role of self-care, debunking the notion that it's selfish, and highlights …
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122 | PANS, PANDAS, and neurodivergence with Dr. Joy Eberhardt
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ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 Dr. Tay and Dr. Joy Eberhardt, a holistic pediatrician specializing in integrative and functional medicine, discuss PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections). They delve into the complexiti…
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121 | navigating culture and religion with Sunita Theiss
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ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 Dr. Tay and Sunita Theiss, an Indian neurodivergent mom, discuss Sunita's journey through autism diagnoses for herself and her children, the impact of South Asian cultural values on her parenting, and the integration of neurodivergent needs within religious communities. Sunita shares her personal experi…
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Understanding Comorbid Diagnoses in Autism (S7E26)
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Introduction: In this insightful episode, we welcome Dr. Suzanne Goh, a pediatric neurologist and behavior analyst, to discuss the complexities of comorbid diagnoses in children with autism. Dr. Goh shares her expertise on the role of pediatric neurology, the importance of a holistic approach, and how parents can better advocate for their children.…
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120 | embracing uncertainty and making mistakes in parenting your autistic child
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ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this solo episode, Dr. Tay discusses the importance of being comfortable with being wrong and sitting with the discomfort that accompanies it. She draws from her personal experiences and professional journey to provide insights on navigating life with an autistic child while balancing evidence-based …
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Understanding ARFID: Insights from Michelle of My ARFID Life (S7E25)
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In this enlightening episode, we dive deep into Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) with Michelle from "My ARFID Life." Michelle shares her personal journey of parenting a child with ARFID, the challenges they face, and the incredible support they receive from their online community. This episode is packed with valuable insights, prac…
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