Dads in Autismland
Dads in Autismland is a heartfelt and candid podcast dedicated to fathers raising children on the autism spectrum. Hosted by Mark de Grasse, a proud dad navigating life in the world of autism, this podcast offers a safe space for dads to share their triumphs, challenges, and personal growth while fostering a supportive community.
Each episode dives into the unique experiences of parenting in "Autismland," featuring real stories from dads, expert interviews, and actionable tips for navigating everything from meltdowns to milestones. Whether you're seeking advice, camaraderie, or just a good laugh, Dads in Autismland provides honest conversations about fatherhood, family, and finding joy in the journey.
Join us weekly as we explore the ups, downs, and everything in between of raising extraordinary children while becoming stronger, more compassionate dads along the way.
Episodes
29 episodes
Not Just a Superpower: Jeffery May on Writing Autism Without the Sugarcoating | Season 2 Episode 29
When Jeffery May’s son Jackson was diagnosed with autism, he and his wife didn’t just search for answers, they created one. Our Amazing Minds isn’t just a children’s book; it’s a powerful tool for helping kids understand autism in a wa...
The Autism Journey Begins: Real Dad Stories on Early Autism Diagnosis | Season 2 Episode 28
In this special solo episode of Dads in Autismland, host Mark de Grasse launches the Guide to Autismland series—a curated journey through the most impactful moments from the podcast’s first 27 episodes. Sharing his own experiences as a father t...
A Guide to Autismland: Real Advice from Fathers Who’ve Been There | Season 2 Episode 27
Drawing from his personal journey as a father to a profoundly autistic son and insights from the first 26 episodes, Mark offers an encouraging and practical starting point for dads new to the autism journey. With empathy and humor,...
Autism Challenges, Christian Values: David Lee’s Story of Faith & Fortitude | Season 2 Episode 26
In this heartfelt episode of Dads In Autismland, host Mark de Grasse sits down with David Lee—professor, podcaster, and father to 9-year-old Eddie, who is on the autism spectrum. David shares his deeply personal journey, from early...
Autism Fitness Blueprint: A New Approach to Autism Exercise with Eric Chessen | Season 2 Episode 25
In this powerful episode of Dads in Autismland, host Mark de Grasse welcomes Eric Chessen, founder of Autism Fitness, to explore the long-term importance of physical health for autistic individuals. Eric shares his journey ...
Taking Autism Public: Dad Tips for Autism Outings with Mark Kendall | Season 2 Episode 24
In this episode of Dads in Autismland, host Mark de Grasse welcomes fellow autism dad Mark Kendall for a heartfelt conversation about navigating public life with children on the autism spectrum. Drawing from personal experi...
Building Autism Acres: How Allan Young is Redefining Safe Spaces for Special Needs | Season 2 Episode 23
In this heartfelt episode of Dads In Autismland, host Mark de Grasse sits down with Allan Young, founder of Autism Acres, a purpose-built sanctuary for children with autism and other special needs. Allan shares his powerful...
Full-Time Fatherhood: From 80-Hour Workweeks to Autism Advocacy w/Matt Anderton | Season 2 Episode 22
In this heartfelt episode of Dads In Autismland, host Mark de Grasse welcomes guest Matt Anderton, father of three-year-old Beckett, who was diagnosed with autism at just 13 months old. Matt shares the emotional and practic...
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Faith, Fatherhood & Autism: Graeme Wright’s Journey of Redemption | Season 2 Episode 21
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 trans...
Big Family, Bigger Heart: How Jason Vance Raises Six Kids w/One on the Spectrum | Season 2 Episode 20
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 raisin...
Standing Up & Speaking Out for Autism: A Father’s Call to Action in Autismland | Season 1 Episode 19
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 h...
Making ABA Therapy Possible: Tim Huck’s Story of Struggle, Strength & Support | Dads In Autismland Podcast Season 1, Episode 18
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 ...
Lord of the Rings Meets Autism: Roger Kuhrt’s Path to Parenting Gordy | Dads In Autismland Season 1, Episode 17
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.&n...
Autism, Mental Health & Suicide Prevention: Neal Tricarico’s Journey of fatherhood, loss, & Finding a New Mission | Dads In Autismland Season 1, Episode 16
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 str...
Autism Dads & The Housing Crisis: Mark Olson’s Mission for Autism Families | Dads In Autismland Season 1 Episode 15
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 ...
Unexpected Challenges, Unexpected Joys: Jacob "Cheech" Cook’s Autism Dad Journey | Dads In Autismland Podcast Season 1, Episode 14
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 ...
Autism & the Teenage Transition: Patrick Hurley on Raising Two Sons | Season 1, Episode 13
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 ba...
Raising Two on the Spectrum: Scott Bisbee’s Lessons from Autismland | Dads in Autismland Season 1 Episode 12
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’...
Self-Care for Autism Dads: Why It’s a Necessity, Not a Luxury | Dads In Autismland S1, Episode 11
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 no...
When Autism Runs in the Family: Corey Michael on Raising Evie | Dads In Autismland Season 1 Episode 10
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 s...
How to Deal with Trolls: Handling Public Judgement as an Autism Dad | Dads In Autismland Season 1 Episode 9
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, a...
Raising Twins with Autism: Davon House’s Journey as a Dad | Dads In Autismland Season 1, Episode 8
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...
Why the “R-word” Will Never Be Acceptable: An Autism Dad's Perspective | Season 1, Episode 7
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...
Sophie's Story: Alfred Samson’s Journey Through Autism, Love, & Resilience | Season 1, Episode 6
In this emotional and eye-opening episode of Dads in Autismland, host Mark de Grasse sits down with Alfred Samson, a dedicated father navigating the complexities of raising his autistic daughter, Sophie. Alfred shares the raw and deeply persona...
Unexpected Blessings: Strength, Humor, and Hard Lessons w/ Mark de Grasse | Season 1, Episode 5
SUMMARYIn this heartfelt episode of Dads in Autismland, host Mark de Grasse takes listeners on a personal journey exploring the unexpected blessings and silver linings that come with raising a child on the autism spectrum. Dr...