Send us a text

In this powerful episode of Dads in Autismland, host Mark de Grasse welcomes Graeme Wright—a father, entrepreneur, and recovery coach—who shares an inspiring, faith-driven journey through adoption, autism, addiction, and personal transformation.

Graeme opens up about adopting two children from China, one of whom was later diagnosed with autism, and how this experience unearthed hidden wounds from his past. From relapsing into addiction to rebuilding his capacity to love and lead, Graeme shares how faith, community, and vulnerability reshaped his understanding of fatherhood.

With raw honesty, he explores the spiritual and emotional depths of raising a child on the spectrum while advocating for other fathers to break isolation and seek healing. Whether you’re a dad in crisis or one seeking connection, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and hope.

TOPICS:

• Adopting two children from China and discovering an unexpected autism diagnosis
• How faith and scripture helped reshape Graeme’s response to adversity
• Why secure attachment is critical for children, especially those with trauma
• The importance of community and male vulnerability in healing
• Lessons from operating a business that employed autistic adults
• Practical insights for dads learning to lead through love, not control

GUEST LINKS:

Graeme Wright – 837 Recovery and Coaching: https://837recovery.com

ADVERTISING LINKS:

The Pathfinder Collective Autism Dad Group: https://dadsinautismland.com/pathfinder

QUOTES

"Adoption didn’t just change my family—it revealed how selfish I really was. God used my son to break that in me."

"When life is all about you, you can’t see God’s plan. But when it becomes about His story, everything starts to make sense."

"You're not alone. Get out of the dark room, step into the light, and let other men surround you with love and truth."

"My son’s autism didn’t ruin my life—it refined it. I wouldn’t change anything, because through him, God brought me closer to who I’m supposed to be."

ℹ️ Note: Every autistic person's journey is unique. This video shares one family's experience of finding success through focusing on interests and abilities rather than limitations. Always consult with appropriate professionals when developing employment plans.

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode of Dads in Autismland, host Mark de Grasse sits down with entrepreneur and father of six Jason Vance, whose 21-year-old son is on the autism spectrum.

Jason shares the deeply personal and practical journey of raising a child initially diagnosed as moderately to severely autistic—who now lives independently with his grandparents and contributes daily to their small farm.

They discuss parenting philosophies, managing family dynamics with five daughters, the importance of prioritizing marriage amidst challenges, and the power of maintaining long-term dreams even when life detours.

Jason’s core belief in “raising healthy adults” shapes his family’s values and resilience. From teaching life skills to coping with public meltdowns, this episode offers insight, relatability, and inspiration for autism dads everywhere.

TOPICS
- Transitioning from diagnosis to independence in autism parenting
- The philosophy of “raising healthy adults” despite special needs
- Balancing the demands of a large family with a child on the spectrum
- Coping with public meltdowns, social judgment, and shifting expectations
- Prioritizing marriage and long-term dreams as the foundation for family resilience
- The emotional journey of mourning “normal” and embracing a new reality
- Jason’s practical tips for building independence in autistic children

ADVERTISING LINKS
The Pathfinder Collective: https://dadsinautismland.com/dads-in-autismland-membership-the-pathfinder-collective/

SUBSCRIBE NOW
https://dadsinautismland.com/subscribe/

QUOTES
"Our underlying philosophy sort of goal for the kids is raising healthy adults."

"We just always believed for more, right? That he could have a normal life."

"You have to mourn normal."

"We literally cooked a separate meal for him every day for his entire life."

"It was really hard letting him go. It's like, yes, you're 21, but you're probably 11 or 12 as far as like, you know, your ability and your mind."

ℹ️ Note: Every autistic person's journey is unique. This video shares one family's experience of finding success through focusing on interests and abilities rather than limitations. Always consult with appropriate professionals when developing employment plans.

Support the show

Send us a text

In the season finale of Dads in Autismland, host Mark de Grasse reflects on the journey so far—what inspired the podcast, the powerful stories shared, and what lies ahead in Season Two.

With honesty and heart, Mark opens up about his personal experiences raising a son with severe autism, the emotional toll many fathers face, and the need for authentic male support.

He calls on fellow autism dads to embrace connection, vulnerability, and growth. From the importance of self-care to the sobering realities of fatherhood in the autism world, this episode is both a heartfelt goodbye to

Season One and a bold invitation to join the next chapter. Tune in to hear what’s next for the Dads in Autismland community—including the launch of the Pathfinder Collective membership group and bi-monthly workshops.

TOPICS
- The origin story of Dads in Autismland and its mission
- Why autism fathers often feel alone—and how this podcast aims to change that
- Personal insights from raising a son with severe autism
- The dangerous stigma around men seeking support and self-care
- The launch of the Pathfinder Collective: a private, judgment-free space for autism dads
- How exposure and community can change society’s understanding of autism
- A call to action for advocacy, communication, and fatherhood transformation

SUBSCRIBE NOW at https://dadsinautismland.com/subscribe/

QUOTES
"Being tough doesn’t mean staying silent. It means stepping up, speaking out, and building something better—for us and our kids."

"If your battery’s drained, everything suffers. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential fatherhood."

"Autism fatherhood isn’t just about what we give—it’s about what we learn. My son taught me empathy, patience, and what real strength looks like."

"There’s no standard for how people should live. The more we share our reality, the safer and more supported our kids will be."

"This podcast started because I wondered if there were other dads like me out there—and now I know we’re not alone."

ADVERTISING LINKS
The Pathfinder Collective Dads In Autismland Membership Group: https://dadsinautismland.com/dads-in-autismland-membership-the-pathfinder-collective/

Mountains We Climb T-Shirt: https://dadsinautismland.com/mountains-we-climb-trailblazer-series-first-edition/

Support the show