The Autism Dad

What does it really feel like to fight for your child's autism diagnosis, navigate school battles, and find joy in a glove and a game of catch? In this episode of Seen and Heard, I'm joined by Brandon Shaw, an autism dad from Orlando, Florida, who shares a candid, unfiltered look at life with his seven-year-old son Mason, who is diagnosed level one but often teeters between one and two. Brandon opens up about the moment everything changed, the silence that followed diagnosis, and the small victories that keep his family moving forward. What you will hear in this episode: How Brandon and his wife Alyssa fought for Mason's autism diagnosis after being turned away by two pediatricians Why there was no roadmap after diagnosis and how the family built one on their own The everyday reality of raising two brothers, one neurotypical and one autistic, under the same roof How Mason went from an autism-specific pre-K unit to a mainstream first-grade classroom with an IEP Why small wins, like answering how his school day went or grabbing a baseball glove, mean everything What Brandon wishes the outside world understood about Mason and the autism community Why Brandon believes advocacy is a team sport and how community support changes everything ABOUT THE GUEST Brandon Shaw is an autism dad living in Orlando, Florida with his wife Alyssa and their two sons, Mason, age seven, and Hunter, who is nearly three. Mason was diagnosed as autistic around age three and a half after his family fought to be heard by multiple doctors. Since diagnosis, Brandon and Alyssa have dedicated themselves to learning, advocating, and celebrating every step of Mason's journey. Brandon is passionate about breaking autism stigmas, building community, and reminding other parents that they are not alone. ABOUT YOUR HOST Rob Gorski is the founder of The Autism Dad, a blog and podcast dedicated to supporting parents raising kids on the autism spectrum. As a dad of three autistic sons with over 25 years of experience, Rob brings lived experience, honesty, and heart to every conversation. THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VizyPlan — If your mornings feel like a battle before the day even starts, check out VizyPlan. Built by a dad who gets it, VizyPlan uses AI to create visual routines with photos of your actual child. Visit VizyPlan.com/app and use code theautismdad to get your first month free. If you found this episode helpful, please follow The Autism Dad Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Visit listen.theautismdad.com for past episodes, resources, and ways to support the show.

Season 9 of The Autism Dad Podcast kicks off with the episode you have been requesting for three years. Rob's girlfriend, partner, and biggest supporter — Kelly Clark — finally joins the show to answer your questions about their relationship, how they navigate autism parenting together, and what makes two introverts who overthink everything such a great team. Kelly also opens up about the life-changing work she does training law enforcement, first responders, schools, and courthouses across Northeast Ohio to better understand and interact with autistic individuals through the Autism Society of Greater Akron. Plus, Rob shares a personal announcement he has been keeping under wraps for eight months — you do not want to miss it. In This Episode: How Rob and Kelly met, including the ambiguous dinner invitation and showing up an hour early Kelly's autism advocacy work training law enforcement and first responders Why two introverts who both overthink actually make a great team How they handle disagreements and parenting differences with mutual respect What it looks like to intentionally protect a relationship when autism parenting demands so much Why date nights in with trash TV count just as much as going out Rob's big announcement — it's a surprise A preview of what is coming in Season 9, including the Seen and Heard series About the Guest Kelly Clark is a mom, passionate autism advocate, and educator based in Northeast Ohio. As a representative of the Autism Society of Greater Akron, she trains law enforcement officers, first responders, school staff, and courthouse personnel to better recognize and interact with autistic individuals — work that can quite literally change outcomes and save lives. Kelly brings both professional expertise and personal lived experience to everything she does. She is also Rob's partner and has been a steady, grounding presence behind the scenes for the last three years. About Your Host Rob Gorski is the founder of The Autism Dad, a blog and podcast dedicated to supporting parents raising kids on the autism spectrum. As a dad of three autistic sons with over 25 years of experience, Rob brings lived experience, honesty, and heart to every conversation. Find Rob at theautismdad.com | Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok: @theautismdad | YouTube: @robgorski | New episodes drop every week. This Episode Is Brought to You By VizyPlan — If your mornings feel like a battle before the day even starts, check out VizyPlan. Built by a dad who gets it, VizyPlan uses AI to create visual routines with photos of your actual child. Visit VizyPlan.com/app and use code theautismdad to get your first month free. Mightier: Help your child build emotional regulation skills through fun, game-based biofeedback. Save 10% with code theautismdad22 at mightier.com. If you found this episode helpful, please follow The Autism Dad Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Visit listen.theautismdad.com for past episodes, resources, and ways to support the show.