Soak it in dads, granddads, older brothers and father figures out
there this is your special day! This Father's Day, we celebrate the role models who not only made a positive impact on our lives, but
also made a lasting impact on the autism community.
In this edition of E-Speaks, you'll hear stories from the autism
community of fathers and sons, grandfathers and grandchildren and an
autistic dad's journey through fatherhood with his two daughters.
You'll also get access to online parenting strategies from Family
ECHO: Autism and a variety of helpful parenting resources to ensure
you and your children always have the support you need as you navigate
this journey called life.
In my own words: Meet Andrew K, an autistic man navigating fatherhood
for the first (and second) time
Andrew's first Father's Day wasn't everything he had hoped it would
be. After a fallout with his father and receiving his autism diagnosis
around the same time, his complex emotions made it difficult for him
to truly enjoy the day. Five years later, Andrew is now a dad to two
beautiful girls and is soaking in all the special moments that come along with
fatherhood: [link removed]
Donor Spotlight: Meet Dave D., grandfather and super-advocate to his
2-year-old grandson
When Dave noticed that his grandson, Hudson, suddenly began showing
signs of developmental regression after his first birthday, this
first-time grandfather quickly sprang into action. Not only has Dave
become a super-advocate for Hudson, but he's become a loyal supporter
of Autism Speaks, with plans to help other families in need of
support. Learn more about Dave and his grandson's journey in this
blog: [link removed]
A father shares his son's journey into adulthood and the obstacles
they've faced along the way
When Ted K.'s son Philip, age 21, was diagnosed with autism at 14
months old and epilepsy at age 13, Ted and his wife Maria knew they
would have to make sacrifices to help their son reach his full
potential. The years since have not always been easy, but thanks to
his parents' strength and dedication, Philip has grown into a driven
young man with a bright future ahead of him. In this blog post, Ted
shares how he juggled competing demands from his family and career to
give his son the best life possible: [link removed]
Learn parenting strategies online through Family ECHO: Autism
From navigating a diagnosis to learning about new therapies, parents
and caregivers of children with autism need knowledge and support to
provide the best care for their loved ones. The Family ECHO: Autism
program, supported by the Autism Speaks Autism Care Network, can help. In a
series of free recorded sessions, you can learn strategies to promote
your child's well-being ([link removed] , parenting tips for teaching new skills ([link removed] ) and parenting tips to reduce harmful behaviors
([link removed] ). Look out for the new Family ECHO: Autism series launching later this summer: [link removed]
Autism Speaks offers free resources for parents
Parenting an autistic child can be a challenge but you don't have to
do it alone. Autism Speaks' A Parent's Guide to Autism ([link removed] )
can support you and promote a positive future for your child and
family as you navigate a new autism diagnosis. The WHO Virtual
Caregiver Skills Training Program ([link removed] )
can teach you the day-to-day skills you need to better understand and
engage with your child. Lastly, our Autism Response Team (ART)
can answer your questions in English and in Spanish and connect you
with resources and information: [link removed]
Adulting on the Spectrum: Former NFL player shares his experience
being an autistic dad
Hosts, Andrew Komarow and Eileen Lamb, speak with Former NFL player
Joe Barksdale about his experience being an autistic dad.
Joe is a singer, songwriter, producer. Joe played with the Raiders,
Rams, Chargers and Cardinals. Concluding an eight year NFL run
Barksdale hung up his cleats in 2019 to pursue music full time
settling in Austin, Texas with his wife Briana, and two young
daughters: [link removed]
Shop gifts for Father's Day: [link removed]
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