Spectrum in Camouflage

Tommy Rhine
  • 5.0 (23)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

A podcast about navigating life raising a child with autism and the hunt for answers.

  1. 2d ago

    The Henry Ford Vaccine Study Through the Eyes of an Autism Dad | Episode 112

    Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy. This week, I want to talk honestly about one of the hardest and most controversial questions many parents in the autism community wrestle with: what factors may be affecting our children's health, development, and future, and are we willing to keep asking questions even when the answers are uncomfortable? I'm looking at claims surrounding a vaccinated-versus-unvaccinated Henry Ford study, the criticism of that study, and what I found when I tried to work through the numbers and competing arguments for myself. I'm not a doctor and I'm not here to tell you what decision to make; I'm a dad raising a son with profound autism, and I believe autism parenting requires curiosity, humility, and the courage to look at everything from medical choices to food, sleep, stress, screens, and our own habits. More than anything, I hope this conversation reminds you that thoughtful parenting is not about having every answer, but about staying engaged, asking better questions, and doing the best we can with the information we have. Key Takeaways I'm not trying to prove that vaccines caused autism or that not vaccinating is the answer. I want us to stay willing to ask questions and look honestly at the information available to us. I walk through claims surrounding the Henry Ford vaccinated-versus-unvaccinated data and some of the criticism of it, including differences in doctor visits and how long the two groups were followed. My experience watching Wyatt regress makes this deeply personal for me, but I also know my family's experience does not automatically provide the answer for every family. I believe our responsibility as parents goes beyond one issue. I want to look at food, sleep, stress, screen time, medical choices, and the example I'm setting with my own habits. If you're carrying guilt over decisions you've made for your child, I want you to remember that we make choices using the best information we have at the time. I can't change yesterday, but I can keep learning and moving forward. If this episode gets you thinking, I'd love for you to keep the conversation going with me. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more from the podcast, and if you have a question, experience, or perspective you want to share, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. I don't want to leave you with fear or guilt. I want to leave you curious, engaged, and willing to keep looking for ways to help our kids reach the highest level of life they're capable of living. God bless you, guys. Follow Us! tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357 instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions, ideas, or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Let's learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

  2. Oct 2

    Part 2 - Dad Talk with Tyler Hudson: Standing At The Gate | Episode 111

    Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy. Today, I’m sitting down with Tyler Hudson for part two of a conversation about autism parenting, advocacy, grief, and what it looks like to keep asking hard questions without losing our compassion for people who see things differently. We also get into some controversial questions around vaccine safety, research, and autism causation, not because I think every family has to agree with me, but because I believe parents should be able to look deeper, tell their story, and advocate for their kids. One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is Tyler’s idea for “A Day Without Words,” a future awareness campaign built around silence so people can experience, even briefly, how much we take communication for granted and how frustrating life can be for non-speaking autistic people. I also share what we’re learning through Wyatt’s spelling sessions, why hearing “no” all day can wear a kid down, and why I want my advocacy to be rooted in love, patience, faith, and the kind of autism family support that reminds people they are not walking alone. Key Takeaways I’m learning that advocacy does not have to mean winning arguments. I can tell my story, ask questions, hold the gate open, and let people decide when they are ready to walk through it. I believe parents should be able to ask hard questions about vaccine safety, autism research, and medical evidence without immediately being mocked, dismissed, or pushed into a box. I’m reminded how much I take communication for granted, especially when I think about non-speaking autistic kids who may know exactly what they want but cannot easily communicate it. Through Wyatt’s spelling sessions, I’m seeing how powerful it can be when someone slows down, avoids constantly saying “no,” and gives him room to communicate in a different way. I want my advocacy to come from love and compassion, not anger. I may not live to see every change I hope for, but I can still keep speaking up for autistic kids, special needs families, and people whose voices are too often overlooked. Tyler introduced the idea for A Day Without Words, planned for April 2027, as a way for people, families, schools, workplaces, and communities to spend time without normal spoken or digital communication and reflect on the experience of non-speaking people. ****Tyler's Book: The Missing Lyrics: A Father's Story of Autism, Grief, and a Society in Denial If this conversation connected with you, I’d love for you to keep the conversation going with me. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more episodes, resources, and ways to connect, or email me anytime at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Your story matters, and I want this to continue being a place where autism families and special needs parents know they are not walking this road alone. Follow Us! tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357 instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions, ideas, or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Let's learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

  3. Sep 25

    Dad Talk with Tyler Hudson - Part 1: The Missing Lyrics | Episode 110

    Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Tyler Hudson for some real dad talk about communication, grief, hope, and what it means to keep showing up when autism parenting feels like a long road with no clear timeline. We talk about the progress our sons are making through spelling, the fear that comes with trying one more thing after so many disappointments, and why I’m learning to value one word, one sign, or one small step instead of chasing a deadline. I also open up about the mental strength it takes to live with the question of what happens to our kids when we’re gone, and why autism family support often starts with simply knowing somebody else understands. We also get into some hard questions about advocacy, research, and medical systems, not because we have every answer, but because I believe parents deserve honest conversations, curiosity, and the freedom to keep asking questions while we fight for our kids. Key Takeaways I’m learning that communication does not have to happen on my timeline. One word, one sign, or one successful spelling session can still be meaningful progress. Tyler and I talk about presuming competence and the difference it makes when people speak directly to our sons instead of talking around them or assuming they do not understand. I share why trying something new can be scary after years of therapies, supplements, appointments, and hopes that did not turn out the way we expected. I believe protecting my own mental strength matters because I cannot take care of my family well if I am completely worn down myself. We talk honestly about grief, advocacy, autism research, and the difficult questions parents sometimes carry, while recognizing that neither of us is coming to this conversation as a medical expert. Tyler's Book: The Missing Lyrics: A Father's Story of Autism, Grief, and a Society in Denial If something in this conversation connected with you, I’d love for you to visit spectrumincamouflage.com and explore more episodes and resources. You can also reach out to me anytime at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. I want this podcast to be a place where autism parents and families can have honest conversations, ask difficult questions, and know they do not have to walk this road alone. Follow Us! tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357 instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions, ideas, or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Let's learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

  4. Sep 18

    Spell to Communicate: Our First Sessions With Wyatt | Episode 109

    Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy. This week, Kailee and I are sharing something that has brought a lot of hope into our home: Wyatt’s first few sessions with Spell to Communicate. As parents of a non-speaking autistic child, we have spent years learning how much communication can exist without words, but the possibility that Wyatt may someday be able to spell, type, or text what is on his mind feels incredibly powerful. I’m talking about what we saw in those first sessions, the way his teacher gives clear direction instead of constantly saying “no,” and what this process is teaching me about patience, autism parenting, and letting go of made-up timelines. I do not know whether open communication takes months or years, but I believe there is real opportunity here, and I’m choosing to trust the process, trust God’s path, and keep showing up one session at a time. Key Takeaways I’m learning that progress does not have to follow a timeline I create in my head. Maybe Wyatt spells eight words this week, maybe he spells one. What matters is continuing to give him the opportunity. Kailee and I watched Wyatt spell several words with assistance during only his second session, and seeing him settle in, focus, and engage gave us a tremendous amount of hope. I was struck by how his teacher gives him specific directions instead of constantly telling him “no.” That challenged me to think differently about how often we tell our kids what not to do instead of showing them what to do. This process is helping us see some of Wyatt’s motor-planning challenges differently, including how full-body apraxia can affect movements that might look simple from the outside. My biggest hope is not that Wyatt communicates in one particular way. I want him to have the opportunity to tell us what he thinks, feels, likes, dislikes, wants, and needs, whether that eventually happens through spelling, typing, texting, pointing, or something else. - If something in our journey connects with your family, I’d love to hear from you. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more from the podcast, and you can always email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com with your questions, experiences, or just to connect. Follow Us! tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357 instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions, ideas, or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Let's learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

  5. Sep 11

    Can Autism Be Genetic? Asking the Questions Parents Are Afraid to Ask | Episode 108

    Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy. This week, I’m talking about hope, progress, and some of the hard questions I keep asking as a dad raising a son with profound autism. A simple moment with Wyatt and a chip full of salsa reminded me that the little wins in autism parenting can actually be monumental, especially when you’ve spent years working, worrying, and wondering what the future might hold. I also share some of the questions I’ve been wrestling with about genetics, environmental factors, regression, and the medical decisions we make for our kids, while making it clear that I’m a dad asking questions, not a doctor giving medical advice. I want parents to feel free to ask questions, look at different perspectives, and make informed decisions for their own families without being driven entirely by fear. Most of all, I hope you walk away encouraged to notice the progress happening right in front of you and never lose hope for what your child may still accomplish. Key Takeaways I’m learning to appreciate the small signs of progress with Wyatt because something as simple as dipping a chip and eating it can represent years of growth and development. I want parents to give themselves some grace because we don’t always understand what our non-speaking children are trying to communicate, especially when everyday life puts us into survival mode. I’m continuing to explore spelling and communication with Wyatt, and our first session gave me a lot of hope for what may be possible. I share my personal questions about autism, genetics, environmental factors, regression, and medical decisions because I believe parents should feel empowered to research, ask questions, and understand their options. I’m not a doctor, and I don’t want anyone simply taking my word for something. I want my experience to encourage you to look deeper, consider multiple perspectives, and make the decisions you believe are right for your family. If you want to learn more about the podcast, visit spectrumincamouflage.com. I’d also love to hear from you, especially if something in this episode encouraged you, challenged you, or made you think differently. You can email me anytime at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Follow Us! tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357 instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions, ideas, or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Let's learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

  6. Sep 4

    Cedar Point with Jessie and a New Hope for Wyatt | Episode 107

    Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy. This week, Kailee and I are looking back on a summer that felt like a real gift to our family, from quiet afternoons at home to a first Cedar Point trip with Jessie that reminded me how valuable time together really is. We also talk honestly about one of the hardest parts of autism parenting: accepting that sometimes our family cannot do everything together, while refusing to believe that “not yet” means “never.” I share what we have learned about being intentional with Wyatt, letting ourselves feel the sadness that comes with missed experiences, and then choosing to keep moving forward with joy instead of living in guilt. Most of all, we are stepping into something new as Wyatt begins Spell to Communicate, and I am carrying a lot of hope, nerves, prayer, and curiosity into that first appointment. If you are raising a non-speaking child or walking through special needs parenting, I hope this conversation reminds you that it is not too late to try something new. Key Takeaways This summer reminded me that time with my family is one of the biggest reasons we have worked so hard to build the life and business we have. I have learned that sometimes being a special needs family means we cannot all experience the same things together, and that can hurt without meaning anyone has done something wrong. Kailee and I have had to replace the idea of “never” with “not yet,” especially when we think about experiences Wyatt may not be ready for today. I believe intentional time, presence, eye contact, play, and simply being there can matter more than how many hours we spend together. As we begin Spell to Communicate with Wyatt, I am choosing to presume competence, stay hopeful, pray, and remain open to what he may be able to show us. If something in this conversation connects with your family, I would love to hear from you. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com to find the podcast and everything we're doing, or email me anytime at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Follow Us! tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357 instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions, ideas, or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Let's learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

  7. Aug 28

    The Story That Changed How I See Work and Providing for My Family | Episode 106

    Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy. Time keeps moving faster, and as a parent, I find myself thinking more about whether I’m spending enough time with my kids, working too much, or doing enough to prepare for their future. Those questions can get even heavier with autism parenting and special needs parenting because I know some of our children may need support long after we’re gone, and that responsibility can make it hard to know when enough is enough. In this episode, I’m sharing how my faith, my business journey, and the Parable of the Talents helped change the way I think about hard work, money, opportunity, and the responsibility to use what God has given me. I’m also talking about the difference between simply having time with our families and being intentional with the time we have. My hope is that this conversation helps you stop living in the what-ifs, recognize the opportunities in front of you, and remember that if you’re questioning whether you’re doing enough, there’s a good chance you already care deeply about doing it right. Key Takeaways I’ve learned that the amount of time I have with my family matters less than how intentional I am with the time we share. Reading Scripture consistently helped me challenge beliefs I had carried for years about money, success, hard work, and what God expects from me. The Parable of the Talents helped me see that using the opportunities, abilities, health, and resources God has given me can be an act of stewardship. As a parent of a child with special needs, I think about what life will look like for my children after I’m gone, and providing for their future is part of the responsibility I carry. I want to spend less time trapped by what-ifs and more time asking why not, pursuing opportunities, serving others, and continuing to move forward with purpose. If something in this episode connected with you, visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more episodes, show notes, and ways to connect with me. You can also email me anytime at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. If you know another parent, caregiver, or family who needs to hear that they are doing enough, I hope you’ll share this episode with them. Follow Us! tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357 instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions, ideas, or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Let's learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

  8. Aug 21

    Vaccines, Autism, and Why Parental Choice Matters to Me | Episode 105

    Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy. There is a lot happening right now around childhood vaccines, autism, and the role parents have in making medical decisions for their kids, and for me, this conversation is deeply personal. I'm sharing why the possibility of changes to federal vaccine recommendations and the MMR schedule hits me so hard after watching my son experience a dramatic regression in his health, and how my thinking has changed as I've learned more about what some call the "perfect storm" of stress on a child's developing nervous system. I'm not a doctor, and I'm not here to tell another parent whether to vaccinate, but I do believe parents deserve the freedom to ask questions, do their own research, and make informed decisions without being pressured or shamed. As a father raising a child with profound autism, I can't separate this conversation from what our family lived through, the things I wish I had known, and my hope that autism parenting families in the future will have more information and more choices. This is emotional for me because our children's health is everything, and I believe their future is worth having difficult conversations about. Key Takeaways I'm sharing why proposed changes to childhood vaccine recommendations feel so significant to me, especially when they could give parents more room to make individual healthcare decisions for their children. I look back at my son's regression after receiving the MMR vaccine and explain why that experience still shapes the questions I ask today, while also sharing how my thinking has expanded beyond believing there was one single cause. I talk about the "perfect storm" idea I've learned about through Dr. Tony and PX Docs, including the possibility that multiple sources of stress on a developing nervous system could contribute to a child's struggles. I'm not telling parents whether or not to vaccinate. I'm sharing my family's experience and encouraging parents to research, ask questions, understand their options, and make the decision they believe is right for their child. After years of feeling like families with stories like mine weren't being heard, I'm encouraged to see autism, profound autism, parental choice, and children's health receiving more attention and conversation. You can find this episode, past episodes, and more at spectrumincamouflage.com. I always want to hear from other parents and families walking through autism and special needs parenting, so if something I said connected with you, challenged you, or gave you something to think about, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Follow Us! tiktok.com/spectrum_in_camouflage facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357 instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions, ideas, or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Let's learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

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5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

A podcast about navigating life raising a child with autism and the hunt for answers.

Information

  • Creator
    Tommy Rhine
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    112
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Spectrum in Camouflage

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