When We First Noticed

When We First Noticed

When We First Noticed is one father’s honest journey through raising a child with autism—from the first little signs that something might be different, through evaluations and diagnosis, and into the everyday reality of raising an incredible little boy who continues to teach us more than we ever expected. I’m not a doctor, therapist, or autism expert. I’m a dad. And on this show, I’ll share the things our family has actually lived: missed milestones, specialists and therapies, daycare struggles, sensory overload, school, meltdowns, breakthroughs, sleepless nights, small victories that feel enormous—and the complicated emotions that can come with all of it. This is especially a place for fathers who may love their children fiercely but don’t always know how to talk about the fear, frustration, uncertainty, pride, hope, and joy that come with this journey. But this isn’t only a podcast for dads. It’s for moms, grandparents, caregivers, educators, and anyone who wants an honest look at what life can be like for a family raising a child on the spectrum. There won’t always be perfect answers here. Just real conversations, our family’s experiences, and the lessons we’re still learning along the way. Because autism is part of our son’s story, but it doesn’t define everything he is. He’s our son. He’s our joy. And he’ll always be our superhero.

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    Before We Knew...

    Before We Knew: The Journey to Parenthood BeginsExploring the emotional rollercoaster of discovering parenthood. The journey to parenthood is filled with emotions that can’t be easily expressed. In our inaugural episode titled Before We Knew, Kevin shares his personal experience of finding out he was about to become a father. The Excitement of DiscoveryKevin recounts the moment he and his partner discovered they were expecting. It's a whirlwind of emotions, from joy to anxiety. "It's a feeling that I don't think could ever be duplicated by something else," he reflects. The news came during Christmas—a time typically filled with cheer, now amplified by the prospect of a new life. Sharing the NewsTelling family and friends was a moment of mixed emotions. Kevin describes the chaotic yet joyful family meeting where his partner shared the news, saying, "I'm pregnant." The unexpected delivery of the news led to a flood of excitement from both sides of the family, marking the beginning of their journey into parenthood. Preparing for BabyAs preparations for the baby began, Kevin dove into setting up a nursery filled with love and creativity. He describes the joy of picking decorations and setting up the crib, though he humorously notes, "Once he was born, he never stepped one foot in the crib for very long." This sentiment captures the unpredictable nature of parenting, where plans often shift. Challenges Along the WayThe path was not without its hurdles. Just days before their baby shower, Kevin's partner experienced a car accident. Despite the scare and uncertainty, they were relieved to find out that both mom and baby were fine. This moment illustrates the resilience of parents-to-be and the emotional rollercoaster they navigate. The Missed MilestonesAs the doctor appointments stack up, check ups turn into documenting little signs and characteristics that start pointing in the direction of a autism diagnosis. As new parents navigating the unknown in the search for answers starts to begin. One sleepless night turns into two, turn into many, as frustration mounts for both the child and the parents, the inability to communicate deepens. Heartache and fear over the unknown starts to settle in....

소개

When We First Noticed is one father’s honest journey through raising a child with autism—from the first little signs that something might be different, through evaluations and diagnosis, and into the everyday reality of raising an incredible little boy who continues to teach us more than we ever expected. I’m not a doctor, therapist, or autism expert. I’m a dad. And on this show, I’ll share the things our family has actually lived: missed milestones, specialists and therapies, daycare struggles, sensory overload, school, meltdowns, breakthroughs, sleepless nights, small victories that feel enormous—and the complicated emotions that can come with all of it. This is especially a place for fathers who may love their children fiercely but don’t always know how to talk about the fear, frustration, uncertainty, pride, hope, and joy that come with this journey. But this isn’t only a podcast for dads. It’s for moms, grandparents, caregivers, educators, and anyone who wants an honest look at what life can be like for a family raising a child on the spectrum. There won’t always be perfect answers here. Just real conversations, our family’s experiences, and the lessons we’re still learning along the way. Because autism is part of our son’s story, but it doesn’t define everything he is. He’s our son. He’s our joy. And he’ll always be our superhero.