Why I Don't Want To "Cure" My Non-Verbal Son's Autism

What does it really mean to love your child unconditionally? In this raw, heartfelt episode, James Gutman tackles the controversial topic of "curing" autism, sharing why he celebrates rather than seeks to change his 14-year-old non-verbal son Lucas.After his recent HuffPost article went viral, James found himself at the center of an intense debate. Many readers assumed his son must be "high-functioning" simply because he writes positively about him. The reality? Lucas faces significant daily challenges, yet James still wouldn't change who his son fundamentally is. "My son is just a pure person who is so in touch with his feelings and emotions," he explains. "When he's sad, he cries. When he's happy, he screams for joy."The podcast explores the dangerous assumption that parents of children with more significant support needs should want different kids. James pushes back against this narrative, highlighting the beautiful qualities often overlooked in discussions about autism – authenticity, emotional honesty, and lack of cruelty or deception. He shares his journey from making desperate bargains with God when Lucas was young to reaching a place of genuine appreciation for who his son is. It's Here! Get the book – “Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation” on audio, digital, or print.Follow Us On TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Also, be sure to read the blog that started it all - Hi Blog! I'm Dad.