Reason for Hope: Ben Haack on Raising Happy, Resilient Kids After an Autism Diagnosis

This week on the Special Chronicles Podcast, Host and Special Olympics Athlete Leader Daniel Smrokowski sits down with fellow Special Olympics Athlete Leader and author Ben Haack to discuss his new book, Reason for Hope: A Parent’s Playbook for Raising Happy and Resilient Kids. Written as a series of personal letters, Ben’s book offers comfort, clarity, and practical guidance for parents navigating life after an autism diagnosis. In this heartfelt conversation, Ben shares hard-won wisdom from his lived experience, including how families can build resilience without erasing difference, create calmer daily rhythms, and help children grow through their strengths, play, and community. Together, Daniel and Ben explore the importance of belonging, confidence, self-advocacy, and the power of embracing each child for who they are. Ben’s message is a powerful reminder that hope is not about changing who a child is, but about helping them thrive. At Special Chronicles, our mission is giving respect and voice to people with special needs through media, and this conversation beautifully reflects that mission. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:50 Opening and Background 14:20 About the book “Reason for Hope” 35:00 Strengths, Confidence & Growth 50:05 Belonging, Community & Connection 57:05 Family Life, Routines & Well-Being 01:07:25 Lived Experience & Hard-Won Wisdom 01:15:45 Advocacy, Inclusion & the Bigger Picture 01:26:00 About the Book’s Impact 01:31:25 Closing & Call to Action Episode 859 ShowNotes & Links 📺Watch This Full Episode on YouTube 📖 Order your copy of Reason for Hope: A Parent’s Playbook for Raising Happy and Resilient Kids by Ben Haack:  Buy the book on Amazon 🌐 Learn more about Reason for Hope and Ben Haack's work 🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast wherever you get your podcasts ⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite app 📺 Watch full episodes (video) on YouTube ❤️ Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating or joining the PLUS membership 👕 Shop our ‘Disabled Voices Matter’ Merch 📱 Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) 📰 Subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates from Special Chronicles Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice” written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright, co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee. Used with permission. About Our Team: Daniel Smrokowski, Founder  Darian Packard, Content Producer Adam Smrokowski, Business Manager Linda Smrokowski, Copy Editor Georgia Hunter, Co-Host--Georgia and Daniel Podcast Click here to meet our team