Happy Father's Day to all of the dads, grandfathers, uncles and
vital male caregivers in the autism community! As we celebrate all of the
father figures in our lives and reflect on the heartfelt moments
we've shared, it's important to remember that each
Father's Day story is a reflection of the unique relationships
each family holds and what make this day special.
In this edition of E-Speaks, we hear from dads in the autism
community - some who identify as autistic and others who have children
on the spectrum - as they discuss what Father's Day means to them,
the importance of understanding, acceptance and patience and how their
unique life experiences helped to shape them into the fathers they are
today. You'll also have access to a quick tips video series from
the World Health organization on how parents can teach their children
new skills, prevent and respond to challenging behaviors and much more.
In my own words: Father's Day from the perspective of an
autistic dad
My name is Jeff R., and I'm a dad on the autism spectrum. My
25-year-old son, Jonathan, has Down syndrome and autism. I've
come to accept that we'll never have those special
"father-son" talks because of his communication
difficulties, but I've learned more from him than he will ever
know. He is truly my hero. Read more about my life as a dad on the
spectrum here: [link removed]
Father's Day Q&A with Dany C., a military veteran raising
three boys, including two teenagers on the spectrum
Dany is a single dad to three boys Jaden, 15, Daniel 13, (both on the
autism spectrum) and Xavi, 9. He says one of the most important
lessons of fatherhood he's learned is that the more you learn
about yourself, the better you'll understand your children. Read
more about his parenting journey in this special Father's Day
blog: [link removed]
"As a dad to two special needs children, sometimes it feels good
just to hear you're doing an okay job"
A seemingly obscure interaction with another shopper at Home Depot
helped Gary D. to see that it's okay if his children, Gary T.,
19, and Jack, 17, have the occasional meltdown in public "all
you can do is continue to show up and be there for them every step of
the way," says Gary. Read more about his life as an autism dad
in this blog: [link removed]
Dads, help support your child at home with Quick Tips video series
Father's Day is a great time to honor the dads in the autism
community who work so hard to help support their child's
development. With this series of Caregiver Quick Tips videos from the World Health Organization with support from Autism Speaks,
dads can find even more ways to help their sons and daughters learn
new skills, prevent and respond to behaviors that are challenging and
enjoy connecting together at home: [link removed]
Support Autism Speaks and shop Amazon Smile this Prime Day!
[link removed]
Autism Speaks | 1060 State Road 2nd Floor | Princeton, NJ
08540
© 2021 Autism Speaks Inc.
Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks Design are registered trademarks
owned by Autism Speaks Inc. All rights reserved.
Connect with us:
Autism Speaks
[link removed]
Facebook
[link removed]
Instagram
[link removed]
LinkedIn
[link removed]
Shop
[link removed]
[link removed]
