48. How to Raise an Autistic Kid to Thrive

If you're raising an autistic child or have an autistic person in your life, then this episode is for you!   I was diagnosed autistic at 22 — not as a child, and for a long time, I felt broken before I ever understood I was autistic. What made that harder was not just the challenges themselves, but the shame that came from constantly feeling like I was broken or made wrong. But my inhibition, fast mind, creative problem-solving abilities, and my hyper-focus were all part of my autism. They were my superpowers, not problems. This episode is about what changes when we stop treating autism like a problem to fix and start helping autistic kids understand themselves differently. I share what I wish every autism parent knew: the way you talk about autism at home either builds your child's confidence or fills them with shame. The world will already tell your autistic kid they're different. Your job is to make sure they never believe different means broken. If you are raising an autistic kid, supporting one, or trying to understand your own autism more deeply, this will help. Inside this episode Why autism is an identity — not a disease to be treated or a disorder to be fixed How to help your kid harness their autistic superpowers instead of managing their deficits The "second language" approach to ABA therapy that actually works without shaming Why stimming, hyper-focus, and sensitivity are strengths worth celebrating How to raise an autistic child who can self-advocate with pride Learn more and find autism resources, support, and community through the Autism Society of America: https://autismsociety.org/ Lots of helpful videos at www.autismhopealliance.com  Read more about my Autistic journey at www.aspiepower.com 👉 Get 15% off your first Serenity Kids order with code: DADICATED15 https://myserenitykids.com/ Being Dadicated isn't about having all the answers. It's about showing up. It's about committing to the kind of dad—and man—you want to be, even when it's hard. Especially when it's hard. Joe Carr is a dad to Della, husband to Serenity, co-founder of Serenity Kids baby food, and the voice behind Dadicated Joe. Follow Joe Carr on social media  Instagram: @dadicatedjoe  TikTok: @dadicatedjoe  YouTube @dadicatedjoe