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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.

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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

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

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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.

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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

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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/

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On this heartfelt episode of Dads In Autismland, host Mark de Grasse sits down with autism dad and founder of The Spectrum Hope Fund, Tim Huck.

The two dive deep into the emotional and financial realities of raising a child on the spectrum—from the early days of diagnosis, ABA therapy, and mounting expenses, to losing friendships and navigating the complexities of fatherhood.

Tim shares how his own challenges inspired him to start a nonprofit that helps other families pay for life-changing ABA therapy.

With candid storytelling and raw honesty, this episode shines a light on the often-overlooked emotional and financial toll autism parenting can take—and how dads are stepping up to support each other.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to raise a child with autism and still show up as a dad, partner, and provider, this episode delivers insight, solidarity, and most of all—hope.

TOPICS

• The emotional toll and isolation of autism parenting—and why dad support matters
• Tim Huck’s personal journey through early autism diagnosis and ABA therapy
• The financial struggle of affording intensive autism care and how families cope
• Founding The Spectrum Hope Fund to support other autism families
• Why ABA therapy early intervention can be transformative
• Parenting multiple children while navigating the needs of a child on the spectrum
• Creating inclusive spaces for autistic kids and building supportive community networks

QUOTES

"There’s no office you go to when you get the diagnosis. No roadmap. You just start Googling and hope you land somewhere helpful."

"We paid $35,000 over three years for ABA therapy because we knew our son needed it. We trusted the process—and scraped by to make it happen."

"There are resources for autistic kids—but what about the parents? What about us dads?"

"When my son was diagnosed, I felt like I was trying to learn a whole new world—but no one was handing me a manual."

"Being a dad to a kid on the spectrum? It’s lonely sometimes. But if we don’t talk about it, who will?"

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 heartwarming episode of Dads In Autismland, host Mark de Grasse welcomes Roger Kuhrt, a devoted father who shares his inspiring and humorous journey of adopting his son Gordy from South Korea during the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Roger opens up about the parallel challenges of adoption and autism—initially mistaking Gordy’s behaviors as effects of adoption, only to later receive a life-changing autism diagnosis. The episode explores early intervention, ABA therapy, and the emotional highs and lows of discovering your child’s unique path.

With a dash of humor and a Lord of the Rings twist, Roger offers a relatable and deeply human perspective on parenting a neurodiverse child. If you've ever felt like you're on an epic journey of your own in fatherhood, this one’s for you.

TOPICS
- Navigating international adoption during the pandemic
- Overlapping traits of adopted and autistic children
- Early signs of autism and how diagnosis unfolded
- Impact of ABA therapy and special education on Gordy's development
- Fatherhood as a "Lord of the Rings" adventure—unexpected and epic
- Unique obsessions: Gordy’s love for vacuums and washers
- Real advice for autism dads on trust, sleep, and staying proactive

QUOTES

"At first, I thought it was just adoption-related behavior. I didn’t realize it could be autism."

"We were the fourth set of caregivers he'd had before age two. Trust had to be built from scratch."

"Where are we going? Oh—we’re going to Mount Autism."

"Getting the diagnosis wasn’t heartbreaking—it was a relief. We finally knew what we were dealing with."

"He used to headbang and scream. Now, thanks to ABA, we don’t even track it—it’s gone."

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 powerful episode of Dads in Autismland, host Mark de Grasse sits down with Neal Tricarico, a devoted father and founder of Endurant Movement. Neal shares his deeply personal journey of raising his autistic son, Anthony, whose silent struggles with mental health ultimately led to tragedy.

Through heartbreak, Neal and his family have transformed their grief into a mission—raising awareness about the critical gap between autism and suicide prevention. He opens up about the signs he missed, the emotional complexities of parenting a child on the spectrum, and how society’s perception of autism needs to change.

This conversation isn’t just about loss—it’s about hope, healing, and advocacy. Neal’s nonprofit, Endurant Movement, is leading the charge to bridge the gap between neurodiversity and mental health support. If you're a father raising an autistic child, this episode is a must-listen.

TOPICS

• Recognizing early signs of autism and anxiety in children
• The hidden struggles of autistic individuals who "mask" their condition
• The high risk of depression and suicide among autistic teens
• How COVID-19 intensified mental health challenges for autistic youth
• The importance of changing the autism narrative—removing the stigma of "disorder"
• Neal’s journey from grief to advocacy with the launch of Endurant Movement
• Practical advice for parents navigating autism & mental health

QUOTES

“To know one kid with autism is to know one kid with autism.”

“When that black-and-white mind decides they’re done, they’re done. It’s not for attention—it’s final.”

“We started to explore this idea and came to know that the only ones looking at it are in the United Kingdom. There’s a significant gap between autism, neurodiversity, and mental health.”

“When we had to make that difficult decision to take him off life support, we were doing it with him, and it created this energy of love and community.”

“We’re being called to something greater, and we have to keep our eyes open for it.”

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 episode of Dads in Autismland, host Mark de Grasse sits down with Mark Olson, founder of LTO Ventures, to tackle one of the biggest concerns for autism dads: What happens when we’re gone?

Mark shares his journey as a father to two daughters with developmental disabilities, his struggles navigating long-term care options, and how he turned a personal challenge into a mission—building sustainable, inclusive communities for individuals with autism and other disabilities.

From financial planning to policy advocacy, Mark offers crucial insights into securing a future for our children beyond our lifetimes. Whether you're a parent in the trenches or looking for actionable advice, this episode is packed with wisdom, resources, and inspiration.

TOPICS COVERED

• The critical question: What happens to our children when we’re gone?
• Mark Olson’s journey as an autism dad and founder of LTO Ventures
• The financial realities of long-term care and why planning must start early
• The challenges of finding housing and support for autistic adults
• How parents can take action and build autism-friendly communities
• Advocacy efforts for disability rights and policy changes

GUEST LINKS

• Mark Olson – LTO Ventures: ltoventures.org

QUOTES

"There are 50,000 kids turning into autistic adults every year. Where are they going to go?" - Mark Olson

"Every autism parent asks the same question: What happens after I’m gone? I decided to stop asking and start solving." - Mark Olson

"You need to start planning for your child’s future when they’re five—not when they’re 50. The financial reality is, you can’t afford to wait." - Mark Olson

"I woke up at 3 AM in a cold sweat and thought—what kind of place would my daughter actually want to live? That’s how LTO Ventures started." - Mark Olson

"Too many parents feel alone in this. The truth is, there’s a whole community ready to help—you just have to reach out." - Mark Olson

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 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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