The Autism Dad

• Neuroinflammation and Autism: What Every Parent Needs to Know (Part 1) (S8E18)

  Could neuroinflammation be driving your child’s symptoms? This episode will change how you think about autism and health. In this two-part series of The Autism Dad Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Theoharis Theoharides, one of the world’s leading experts in neuroimmune medicine and mast cell research. We dig deep into how inflammation in the brain—driven by overactive mast cells—can contribute to the struggles many autistic and neurodivergent kids face, including sensory issues, eczema, gut problems, chronic sinus issues, and even regression. Dr. Theo doesn’t just talk theory—he shares actionable steps and science-backed insights that have the potential to improve quality of life for families like ours. I even share some personal stories about my sons, and how this research explains things we’ve experienced for years. Whether your child is dealing with eczema, unexplained aggression, or GI issues, this episode may offer a new lens on what’s going on under the surface—and what you can do about it. In this episode, we discuss: What mast cells are and how they can impact the brain How neuroinflammation may be linked to autism, ADHD, and chronic conditions The surprising connection between eczema and autism Why symptoms like gut issues and behavior changes are often misunderstood The role of vitamin D, folinic acid, and glutathione in autism support How stress can trigger mast cell activation and impact behavior What testing and natural interventions parents can explore How to think critically about supplements and avoid misleading claims This episode is sponsored by Safe Place Bedding Safe Place Bedding provides medically necessary, insurance-covered safety beds that help neurodivergent children sleep safely and securely—at home or while traveling. They’ve just launched the Safe Place 300, a permanent safety bed option with integrated monitoring. Visit https://safeplacebedding.com/theautismdad to learn more. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. You can also visit listen.theautismdad.com for more episodes, resources, and to leave feedback.

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• Real Talk: Parenting a Child with Down Syndrome (S8E17)

  Episode Summary: In this powerful and deeply human episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, I sit down with husband-and-wife team Jeremy Dyen and Dr. Mika Gupta, co-founders of Mama Bird, to explore the emotional and transformative journey of parenting a child with Down syndrome. We talk about: Navigating a life-changing diagnosis Finding purpose in unexpected places Supporting your child’s unique needs without losing yourself in the process How their personal journey led to creating brain-focused supplements for kids and families Whether you’re parenting a child with a disability or looking for inspiration from parents who truly get it, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Topics Covered: Birth and diagnosis stories NICU experiences and emotional aftermath Early intervention and the Family Hope Center How Down syndrome changed their worldview Building Mama Bird from lived experience The importance of brain health and nutrition Parenting tips, mindset shifts, and daily struggles Advice for newly diagnosed families This Week’s Sponsors: Autism 360 The Autism 360 program helps parents become confident leaders in their child’s care by providing expert-led coaching and support. Learn more at ⁠autism360.com Safe Place Bedding Safe Place Bedding provides medical-grade, customizable, and insurance-covered sleep solutions for children with disabilities. Their new permanent bed model, the SPB 300, includes a built-in monitoring system. Learn more at ⁠https://safeplacebedding.com/theautismdad⁠ Mightier Mightier is a biofeedback-based gaming platform that helps kids learn emotional regulation skills through fun, engaging play. It’s clinically tested and loved by families. Learn how it can support your child at ⁠https://theautismdad.com/mightier⁠ (Use the code theautismdad20 and save 10%) Guest Bios: Dr. Mika Gupta is a board-certified neurologist, autism mom, and co-founder of Mama Bird, a company creating brain-first vitamins and supplements for children and families. Her personal journey raising a child with Down syndrome deeply informs her professional mission. Jeremy Dyen is a musician, dad, and co-founder of Mama Bird. With a background in mindfulness and creative arts, Jeremy brings a unique and compassionate perspective to parenting and product development. Connect with Mama Bird: Visit lovemamabird.com to learn more about their brain-focused supplements for kids and families. Follow The Autism Dad: Instagram Facebook Podcast Website Support the show: If you found value in today’s conversation, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast app.

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• Special Needs Financial Planning (Part 3) (S8E16)

  In this powerful conclusion to our three-part Special Needs Financial Planning series, I’m joined once again by Katy Bryan, a Special Needs Financial Planner with Skylight Financial Group. In this episode, we tackle the toughest part of the journey—planning for our child’s future after we’re gone. This isn’t easy to talk about, but having a plan in place can ease a lot of the anxiety many of us carry every day. Katy and I dive into what end-of-life planning looks like for special needs families, including estate planning, guardianship, housing options, and how to prepare siblings or support systems for what’s ahead. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why end-of-life planning is one of the most important steps for special needs families What a Special Needs Trust is and how it helps protect your child’s future The growing importance of ABLE accounts and how they work Understanding guardianship vs. power of attorney Housing challenges and how to prepare your child for independence How to make sure your wishes—and your child’s—are honored when you’re not there Why it’s never too late to start planning, even if you’re behind Meet Katy Bryan: Katy Bryan is a licensed financial professional and special needs financial planner at Skylight Financial Group. With over 14 years of experience, Katy has helped families across the country build financial strategies that support long-term security for children with disabilities. Her empathetic approach makes complex planning more manageable and less overwhelming for parents. Email Katy: kbryan@financialguide.com Learn more: https://www.skylightfinancialgroup.com/ This Week’s Sponsors: Safe Place Bedding Safe Place Bedding provides medical-grade, customizable, and insurance-covered sleep solutions for children with disabilities. Their new permanent bed model, the SPB 300, includes a built-in monitoring system. Learn more at https://safeplacebedding.com/theautismdad Mightier Mightier is a biofeedback-based gaming platform that helps kids learn emotional regulation skills through fun, engaging play. It’s clinically tested and loved by families. Learn how it can support your child at https://theautismdad.com/mightier (Use the code theautismdad20 and save 10%) Connect with Me: Website: https://theautismdad.com Email: rob@theautismdad.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/theautismdad Podcast: https://listen.theautismdad.com If this episode resonated with you, please consider leaving a review, sharing it with someone who needs it, or reaching out to let me know your thoughts. Your feedback keeps this community strong.

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• Special Needs Financial Planning (Part 2) (S8E15)

  Show Notes: Special Needs Financial Planning (Part 2) — The Autism Dad Podcast In this episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, Rob Gorski continues the special needs financial planning series with guest Katy Bryan from Skylight Financial Group. Katy specializes in helping families of children with disabilities plan for the future and shares key steps to prepare for your child’s transition to adulthood. Rob and Katy discuss why everything changes at age 18: managing assets under $2,000, understanding Social Security benefits (SSI/SSDI), and navigating Medicaid. They explore common questions around special needs trusts, guardianship, and power of attorney, and offer tips for finding a financial or estate planner with real disability expertise. Rob shares his own family’s journey—the struggles, learning curves, and how resources like vocational programs made a difference for his kids. Highlights: Social Security (SSI/SSDI) eligibility after 18 Managing assets and income to maintain Medicaid/benefits Special needs trusts, guardianship, and power of attorney The value of working with planners who “get” disability families Building a sustainable budget and future plan for your child How to access local job training and support resources Guest Info: Katy Bryan, Skylight Financial Group Email: kbryan@financialguide.com Thank You to This Week’s Sponsors: Safe Place Bedding Safe Place Bedding creates portable, durable beds for children and adults with special needs. Their new Safe Place Bedding 300 offers advanced monitoring for safer, better sleep. Learn more at safeplacebedding.com. Autism 360 Autism 360 provides families with practical tools and expert guidance for therapy, education, and everyday life—personalized to help your child thrive. Discover more at autism360.com. Connect with Rob: Find more episodes, resources, and ways to connect at theautismdad.com. Have questions or feedback? Reach out through the website! If you found this helpful, please subscribe and leave a review—see you next week for part three! Disclaimer: Catherine Bryan is a registered representative of and offers securities and investment advisory services through MML Investor Services, LLC, member SIPC, OSJ, 1956 Carter Road, Suite 200, Cleveland, Ohio 44113, Phone: (216) 621-5680. California Insurance License #4175736. The information in this podcast is not a recommendation and is not intended as financial, tax, legal, or estate planning advice. You should seek guidance from a qualified financial advisor, accountant, and attorney regarding your personal situation.

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  23:58
• Understanding Non-Speaking Autism and Apraxia (S8E14)

  While my production computer is down, I’m re-releasing this powerful episode that so many parents found helpful the first time around. If you’re raising a non-speaking or minimally speaking child, or if you're trying to better understand apraxia and communication differences in autism—this conversation is for you. I’m joined again by Samantha Fox, M.A., CCC-SLP—an incredible speech-language pathologist and founder of Beyond Speech Therapy Center. Samantha specializes in working with non-speaking autistic individuals and is a certified Spelling to Communicate (S2C) practitioner. We talk openly about: What apraxia really is—and how it’s often misunderstood Why some autistic kids can understand language but still can’t speak The difference between language delays and motor-based speech challenges Why “presume competence” isn’t just a buzzword—it’s essential My son Emmett’s experience being non-speaking and how it shaped my perspective A powerful message from 17-year-old speller Kaden that will absolutely stay with you This conversation will challenge assumptions and give you a new way to view communication struggles. Whether you're a parent, therapist, or educator—you’ll walk away better informed and hopefully more hopeful. 🎧 Listen now anywhere you get your podcasts or at: https://listen.theautismdad.com This episode is sponsored by: 🛏 Safe Place Bedding Safe Place Bedding creates custom, in-home safety beds for kids with autism and other special needs. Learn more at safeplacebedding.com 🎮 Mightier Mightier helps kids build emotional regulation skills through biofeedback video games developed at Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s Hospital. Try it today at mightier.com

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