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In this powerful episode of Dads in Autismland, host Mark de Grasse welcomes Eric Chessen, founder of Autism Fitness, to explore the long-term importance of physical health for autistic individuals.

Eric shares his journey from personal trainer to autism fitness pioneer, offering insights into motivation, movement planning, and individualized training for children and adults on the spectrum.

With practical advice, personal stories, and thoughtful strategies, this episode empowers dads to prioritize their child's physical health—regardless of age or verbal ability. From behavior-specific praise to handling meltdowns in the gym, Eric delivers tools and encouragement for every autism dad.

TOPICS:

• Why fitness is a lifelong priority for children and adults with autism
• How behavior science and fitness training intersect in Autism Fitness
• Strategies for motivation, including choice and behavior-specific praise
• Adapting exercise programs to individual needs and communication styles
• The importance of consistency, reinforcement, and celebrating small wins
• Managing meltdowns and behavior issues in fitness sessions
• How fitness translates into confidence and independence over time

GUEST LINKS:
Eric Chessen – Autism Fitness: https://www.autismfitness.com/

ADVERTISING LINKS:
Dads In Autismland Membership: https://dadsinautismland.com/dads-in-autismland-membership-the-pathfinder-collective/

QUOTES:

• "There’s no such thing as an autism-specific exercise—it’s all about the implementation."
• "Choice and behavior-specific praise
• are my biggest coaching go-tos."
• "Fitness is an investment—compound interest over time builds capability and confidence."
• "I’ve seen athletes go from unable to squat to dominating ninja courses."
• "Even if they can’t communicate it, they often appreciate the structure and movement."

ℹ️ Note: Every autistic person's journey is unique. This video shares one family's experience of finding success through focusing on interests and abilities rather than limitations. Always consult with appropriate professionals when developing employment plans.

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In this episode of Dads in Autismland, host Mark de Grasse welcomes fellow autism dad Mark Kendall for a heartfelt conversation about navigating public life with children on the autism spectrum.

Drawing from personal experiences with his 22-year-old nonverbal daughter, Mark Kendall opens up about the emotional and logistical challenges dads face—from handling staring strangers to managing safety in unpredictable situations.

Together, they share practical tips, honest stories, and a strong message of encouragement: you can go out, you can be confident, and you are your child’s best advocate. Whether you’re wrestling with your first family outing or planning a vacation with accommodations, this episode offers relatable support and empowering advice for autism dads everywhere.

TOPICS

• The role of autism dads as public advocates and "ambassadors"
• Tips for preparing outings with autistic children, including safety bags and routines
• How public expectations change as autistic kids become adults
• Strategies for handling unwanted attention and educating others
• Navigating travel, vacations, and community inclusion with autistic children
• Safety protocols, water risks, and long-term planning
• Emotional insights on adapting to autism parenting over time

ADVERTISING LINKS

Dads in Autismland Membership - The Pathfinder Collective: https://dadsinautismland.com/dads-in-autismland-membership-the-pathfinder-collective/

QUOTES

1. “You didn’t sign up to be an ambassador for autism—but you are one.”
2. “Dads need to feel confident bringing their kids into public spaces.”
3. “Everybody has their time limits—neurotypical or not.”
4. “Sometimes pulling the ripcord is the best decision for everyone.”
5. “If you're not prepared, you’re not protecting—so have a plan.”

ℹ️ Note: Every autistic person's journey is unique. This video shares one family's experience of finding success through focusing on interests and abilities rather than limitations. Always consult with appropriate professionals when developing employment plans.

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In this heartfelt episode of Dads In Autismland, host Mark de Grasse sits down with Allan Young, founder of Autism Acres, a purpose-built sanctuary for children with autism and other special needs.

Allan shares his powerful journey from military service to creating a five-acre haven in Rochester, Washington for families like his own—including his three sons on the spectrum and a foster daughter with Down syndrome.

Listeners will learn about the hands-on life skills training Allan offers at home, the carefully designed features of Autism Acres (from elopement-safe fencing to sensory swings), and how he and his wife are fostering a safe, welcoming community grounded in compassion and faith. It’s an inspiring story of resilience, resourcefulness, and redefining support for families navigating autism.

TOPICS

• The origins and mission of Autism Acres in Washington
• Parenting multiple children on the autism spectrum and one with Down syndrome
• Designing a safe, sensory-friendly environment for children with special needs
• Transitioning from military life to full-time caregiving and homeschooling
• Building community through faith-based service without preaching
• Personal wellness and stress management strategies for autism dads
• The importance of structured flexibility in daily routines

GUEST LINKS

Allan Young – Autism Acres: https://autismacres.org

ADVERTISING LINKS

Dads In Autismland Membership – The Pathfinder Collective: https://dadsinautismland.com/dads-in-autismland-membership-the-pathfinder-collective/

QUOTES

“My son now has friends—it’s awesome. We needed this just as much as the families we’re trying to help.”

“We designed everything at Autism Acres with safety in mind—because eloping isn’t just a possibility, it’s a reality for a lot of us.”

“Caretaking is hard. Being alone in the house is hard. Coming home from work is hard. That’s why me and my wife make sure each other gets a break.”

“We didn’t want a structure so rigid it became a problem—we wanted routines that help our kids feel secure without trapping them in them.”

“We’re not a Christian organization—we’re an organization run by Christians. We’re not here to preach, we’re here to serve.”

ℹ️ Note: Every autistic person's journey is unique. This video shares one family's experience of finding success through focusing on interests and abilities rather than limitations. Always consult with appropriate professionals when developing employment plans.

Support the show