Confessions of an Autism Dad

Tony Danna
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  • Parenting
  • Updated Biweekly

As soon as Dante was diagnosed with autism, I began journaling his daily behavior as best I could in order to keep track of things that worked and didn't work for him. I recorded every observation where I felt the details could help him, whether it was a milestone or a setback. Eventually, the journal also became a sanctuary for me, where I could vent. Throughout Dante's Journey I came to realize that journaling served me as a therapeutic outlet.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    We're Here Talking About Laundry!

    Within this confessional, Tony addresses his obsession for doing Dante's laundry and how this monotonous chore is a labor of love for a father who is still coping with the transition of accepting the new and limited role in his child's life.  The latest "How is Dante doing" report is given as well as a new segment called "The Autism Top Ten List".

    We're Here Talking About Laundry!

  2. Jul 24

    Decoding Dante

    This episode, Decoding Dante, explores the never-ending detective work that Autism parents endure in understanding their child’s wants and needs while navigating their nonverbal child through a cruel and derogatory world. Tony Danna later addresses the importance of differentiating between mild autism and those who are profoundly autistic within the bedlam of social media and pop culture.

  3. Jun 19

    Overkill

    Don’t call it a comeback, I’ve been here for years. Confessions of an Autism Dad returns from a short hiatus. Tony Danna explains the paranoia involved with raising a nonverbal 5-year-old with profound autism.  The episode concludes with the introduction of two new segments, “How is Dante doing?” and “The Spectrum Perspective”.

    Overkill

  4. May 1

    It Was the Best of Times; It Was the Worst of Times.

    Tony reminisces over the last few years of his marriage, and the end of the innocence for Dante. The days of taking comfort in having the assurance and security of both parents living under the same roof are numbered, and Dante has no idea of what mayhem is in store for him.

    It Was the Best of Times; It Was the Worst of Times.

  5. Apr 24

    The New Normal

    More of Dante's back-story is revealed in this the second episode of "Confessions of an Autism Dad." Tony Danna scratches the surface on the many adjustments both Father and Son have made the past 7 years, and the new adjustments both must make within the "New Normal".

    The New Normal

  6. Apr 2

    I Hate Visiting Dante

    In the premiere episode of Confessions of an Autism Dad, host Tony Danna offers a raw and vulnerable "peek behind the curtain" of life as a parent to a child with severe, non-verbal autism. Tony introduces his son, Dante, and discusses the heart-wrenching transition of moving him into a residential living facility. With startling honesty, Tony explores the complex emotions behind the phrase "I hate visiting Dante," detailing the "fridge horror" of witnessing a loved one in a difficult environment and the overwhelming guilt of feeling like he has let his son down. From the frustrations of "the underwear monster" and holding facilities accountable to the emotional "masking" required to stay positive for his son, this episode is a mission statement for a community that often feels invisible. Join Tony as he begins sharing Dante’s Journey, reminding fellow parents and advocates that they are never alone in the chaos.

  7. Apr 2

    Mission Statement

    In this introductory trailer for Confessions of an Autism Dad, host Tony Danna sets the stage for a forum dedicated to support, empathy, and advocacy. Recognizing that being an autism parent can often feel isolating, Tony offers this podcast as a reminder that families are not alone. This episode serves as a "peek behind the curtain" for a wide audience, including: Autism Families and Friends: A space to share stories and help one another understand the daily realities of the journey. Education and Care Professionals: A heartfelt thank you to the teachers, aides, and drivers working with individuals who have severe autism. Law Enforcement: Insights for officers who may encounter non-verbal individuals in crisis or during elopement, explaining how neurological disorders can sometimes be mistaken for defiance. Policy Makers: A direct call to dignitaries and politicians to shift focus from theories of causation to the dire, immediate needs of autism families. Join Tony as he opens the door to a community of "voices for the voiceless," building a foundation of mutual support and understanding.

Trailer

About

As soon as Dante was diagnosed with autism, I began journaling his daily behavior as best I could in order to keep track of things that worked and didn't work for him. I recorded every observation where I felt the details could help him, whether it was a milestone or a setback. Eventually, the journal also became a sanctuary for me, where I could vent. Throughout Dante's Journey I came to realize that journaling served me as a therapeutic outlet.

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