Autism Dadcast Ep. 7 – Mario Kart, Meltdowns & Autistic Joy with Allan
In our first ever guest episode, Allan told us about his lad’s Mario Kart obsession.He’s not just watching it — he’s directing it.From character selection to track choice, he’s there whacking the corner of the telly like it’s a touchscreen.Shouting out names. Repeating catchphrases. Telling Allan exactly what to press and when.It’s not a game to him.It’s a system. A world he understands.And he’s in control.It’s moments like this where you really see how our kids engage with the world — their own way, their own rules.And it’s bloody brilliant.#AutismDadcast #MarioKartMagic #AutismParenting #FirstGuestEpisode #NeurodivergentJoy #SENDParenting #AutisticVoices #ParentingWins
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1:32:00
Autism Dadcast Ep. 6 - “Day Trips, Holidays, and Total Meltdowns”
This week, Gaz and Andy get into the chaos behind what most people call "a nice day out."Whether it’s a quick trip to the park or the dream of a family holiday, when you’ve got an autistic child, it’s never just that simple.From public toilet refusals and changing nappies in the middle of Telford Town Park, to weighing up whether a flight to Dubai is worth the stress — they talk through it all.The meltdowns, the judgment, the moments that break you — and the small wins that make it just about worth it.If you’ve ever planned five backup options for one day out, or said “not yet” to a holiday because you know how hard it’ll be — this one’s for you.
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1:04:48
Autism Dadcast Ep. 5 – “You Asked, We Answered”
This one’s all about you lot. We put the call out for your questions on Instagram and bloody hell… you delivered.From meltdowns and non-verbal communication to EHCP struggles, relationships, public judgment, and trying to keep a spark alive when you’re both exhausted — we answer it all. Raw, unfiltered, and from two dads who’ve lived it.We get into the hard stuff like feeling isolated, grieving the life you thought you’d have, and what it’s like when one of you wants to push and the other plays it safe. We also share some wins: Crocs as communication, surprise curries, and how sometimes the tiniest moments hit the hardest.Massive thanks to everyone who sent something in — these episodes only work because of you.Keep ’em coming. We’ve got your back.
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1:25:22
Autism Dadcast Ep. 4 - “Sleep? What's That?”
This one’s raw. We talk about what it really means when your autistic kid doesn’t sleep — not for a few weeks, but for years. From the dread of bedtime to the chaos of 3am wake-ups, we open up about the brutal toll it takes on us as dads, as partners, and as people just trying to survive the next day.Andy shares how sleep deprivation has nearly broken him and his wife, how melatonin has been a mixed bag, and how some nights feel like torture. Gaz opens up about the sleep training routines that helped Thomas — blackout blinds, smart lights, and a bit of dog trainer stubbornness. It worked for them, but it wasn’t easy.We talk about resentment in relationships, that horrible feeling of never catching up, and the desperate things you try when you’re running on empty (yes, we bought the £150 diffuser — no, it didn’t work).It’s not all heavy. There’s laughs, there’s stories about getting smacked in the face with a toy, and there’s even a good bit about grapes.But most importantly, it’s honest. If you’re there now — awake at 2am, scrolling for answers — we see you.
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1:14:21
Autism Dadcast Ep. 3 - “Diagnosed… Now What?”
This week, we’re talking official diagnoses – the moment it becomes real on paper. Andy shares Lydia’s recent confirmation, and Gaz reflects on his emotional response when Thomas got his.But that’s just the start…We dive deep into the broken EHCP system – the hoops, the heartbreak, and the absolute madness behind 98% of tribunals being won by parents. Why are we forcing families through years of stress for something the system knows they need?Expect raw honesty, some very personal stories (including setting our kids up to fail just to prove they need help), and hard truths about trusting the system.If you’re battling for support, feeling lost, or just need to know you’re not alone – this one’s for you.👉 Drop your story in the comments or messages. We’re building this together.#EHCP #AutismDiagnosis #SENDCrisis #ParentingAutism #AutismDadcast #NeurodivergentFamilies #RealTalk
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