Laughter and Tears: Parenting an Autistic Child

Explicit content warning

05/23/23 • 47 min

1 Listener

Touched Out!

Welcome to Episode Eight of Touched Out: A Mental Health Podcast for Parents!

In this heartfelt episode, host Carter is joined by Martin, a dedicated father from Perth, Australia, who shares his touching story about his son Harrison's autism diagnosis and the challenges they faced. Martin opens up about the emotional turmoil of Harrison going completely nonverbal, the struggle of finding a supportive community, and the significant gaps in resources available for fathers after an autism diagnosis.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions on autism, mental health struggles, and societal stigma. Listener discretion is advised.

Join us as Martin discusses:

From Silence to Resilience: Martin's emotional journey through his son Harrison's regression to nonverbal communication and the transformative impact on their family.

Finding Community and Support: The challenges Martin faced in building a supportive network and overcoming societal stigma surrounding autism.

Challenges in Support for Fathers: Insights into the lack of resources for fathers after an autism diagnosis and Martin's frustrations with ineffective seminars.

The Power of Early Intervention: The crucial role early intervention played in Harrison's development and Martin's experiences with unexpected milestones, like Harrison learning Russian from YouTube videos.

Impact on Family Dynamics: How Harrison's autism diagnosis affected Martin's marriage and the financial and emotional strains it brought.

Moments of Joy and Triumph: Heartwarming and humorous anecdotes that showcase Harrison's unique personality and the special bond he shares with Martin.

Addressing Societal Stigma: The importance of receiving a diagnosis, unlearning toxic masculinity, and embracing authenticity despite societal pressures.

Listen to Martin's inspiring journey and gain valuable insights and support for your own parenting challenges. Subscribe now to Touched Out for more heartfelt conversations and practical tips on navigating parenthood and mental health.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Touched Out: A Mental Health and Parenting Support Podcast.
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, share, and leave a rating and review. Your support helps others discover their new favorite parenting and mental health podcast.

Connect with Us:

Drop a comment on Spotify if you have any questions or thoughts. You can also visit The Touched Out Website to leave a voice message or contact me via email. If you are interested in being a guest on Touched Out you can access the guest form HERE

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Donate to Touched Out! HERE

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All of the friends, None of the fear. A safe space for neurodivergent, chronically ill and disabled people to make friends and find support. Download the Spoony App HERE

*This is not a paid promotion

Welcome to Episode Eight of Touched Out: A Mental Health Podcast for Parents!

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions on autism, mental health struggles, and societal stigma. Listener discretion is advised.

Join us as Martin discusses:

From Silence to Resilience: Martin's emotional journey through his son Harrison's regression to nonverbal communication and the transformative impact on their family.

Finding Community and Support: The challenges Martin faced in building a supportive network and overcoming societal stigma surrounding autism.

Challenges in Support for Fathers: Insights into the lack of resources for fathers after an autism diagnosis and Martin's frustrations with ineffective seminars.

Impact on Family Dynamics: How Harrison's autism diagnosis affected Martin's marriage and the financial and emotional strains it brought.

Moments of Joy and Triumph: Heartwarming and humorous anecdotes that showcase Harrison's unique personality and the special bond he shares with Martin.

Addressing Societal Stigma: The importance of receiving a diagnosis, unlearning toxic masculinity, and embracing authenticity despite societal pressures.

Support the show

Connect with Us:

Get your official Touched Out! Merch HERE

Donate to Touched Out! HERE

Spoony App:

All of the friends, None of the fear. A safe space for neurodivergent, chronically ill and disabled people to make friends and find support. Download the Spoony App HERE

*This is not a paid promotion

Previous Episode

A Mother's Legacy: Honoring My Mum on Mother's Day

1 Recommendations

Welcome to Episode Seven of Touched Out: A Mental Health Podcast for Parents!

In this heartfelt episode, host Carter shares a deeply personal and emotional story in honor of his late mother. Recorded on Mother's Day in Australia, Carter reflects on his mother's life, her struggles with mental health, her courageous battle with cancer, and the lasting impact she had on his life. This episode is a tribute to all mothers and a reminder of the strength and resilience that they embody.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions on mental health struggles, trauma, and cancer. Listener discretion is advised.

Join us as Carter discusses:

Mother's Day Reflections: Balancing grief for his mother and celebrating his wife.

Early Life and Childhood Memories: A nostalgic look at Carter's mother's life, from her childhood in rural Australia to her career and family life.

Single Parenthood and Mental Health Struggles: The challenges of single parenthood and the impact of mental health on Carter's mother.

The Cancer Diagnosis: The inspiring story of her battle with cancer, her volunteer work, and her enduring sense of humor.

Caregiving and Loss: The emotional journey of caregiving and the profound loss experienced upon her passing.

Subscribe now to Touched Out for more heartfelt conversations and practical tips on navigating parenthood and mental health.

Support the show

Connect with Us:

Get your official Touched Out! Merch HERE

Donate to Touched Out! HERE

Spoony App:

All of the friends, None of the fear. A safe space for neurodivergent, chronically ill and disabled people to make friends and find support. Download the Spoony App HERE

*This is not a paid promotion

Next Episode

Challenging Stereotypes in Parenting: A Father’s Emotional Journey

2 Recommendations

Welcome to Episode Nine of Touched Out: A Mental Health Podcast for Parents!

In this thought-provoking episode, host Carter sits down with Luke, a stay-at-home dad of five, who shares his powerful story of navigating fatherhood, trauma, and mental health. Luke opens up about his battles with anxiety, self-medication, and the pressures of managing a blended family, while also challenging societal norms around masculinity and emotional expression.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions on mental health struggles, self-medication, and trauma. Listener discretion is advised.

Join us as Luke discusses:

Vulnerability and Fatherhood: Luke shares his journey of embracing vulnerability and breaking free from traditional masculine roles, emphasizing the importance of open emotional expression in parenting.

Personal Healing and Mental Health: Insights into Luke's personal battles with anxiety and self-medication, and how these challenges led him to focus on family and healing childhood traumas.

Balancing Family and Career: A candid look at how Luke manages the complexities of raising a blended family while dealing with online negativity and societal expectations.

Supportive Communities for Fathers: The critical need for supportive networks and resources for fathers, highlighting Luke's dedication to fostering change and advocating for mental health awareness.

Overcoming Societal Stigmas: A discussion on the societal pressures faced by men in expressing emotions, and the importance of challenging traditional gender roles for a healthier family dynamic.

Empowerment Through Authenticity: Luke’s story underscores the power of authenticity and community, offering a platform for fathers to share their experiences and embrace their roles fully.

Listen to Luke's inspiring journey and gain valuable insights into parenting, mental health, and the power of vulnerability. Subscribe now to Touched Out for more heartfelt conversations and practical tips on navigating parenthood and mental health.

Support the show

Connect with Us:

Get your official Touched Out! Merch HERE

Donate to Touched Out! HERE

Spoony App:

All of the friends, None of the fear. A safe space for neurodivergent, chronically ill and disabled people to make friends and find support. Download the Spoony App HERE

*This is not a paid promotion