Harry Psaros discusses his "dAdication" to helping his son with Autism succeed. Who started as a child with significant deficits, limited communication skills, and an uncertain future, Harry took on a "warrior's mentality" and educated himself and his family about how to best serve and raise his son. He sought new therapies and methodologies to help his son better integrate to his environment and improve his communication. Years later, Harry's son is a soon to be college graduate with a bright future. Still navigating life with Autism, but has grown far from the child he was. Harry writes about his experiences as an Autism dad and gives other dads the knowledge and resources that helped his family along the way in his book, From Struggle to Strength a Father's Journey with Autism and the Power of Hope and Positivity.

Opinions shared by the guests of the show are their own and do not necessarily represent the official views of the hosts, the Department of Human Services Office of Maternal Child and Family Health/Children with Special Health Care Needs Program, the West Virginia Family 2 Family Health Information Center, nor the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities.

More information about Harry Psaro's book, Struggle to Strength a Father's Journey with Autism and the Power of Hope and Positivity.

Sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Human Services, Office of Maternal, Child, and Family Health/Children with Special Health Care Needs Program and the West Virginia Family 2 Family Health Information Center and Produced by the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities.

Episode Transcript Here

"It feels that you're climbing a mountain, without a guide or a backpack...and some days the sun isn't even shining". - Dr. Norrine Russell discusses her feelings and challenges early on as she navigated life with her two complex children. A lack of support and resources around her led to her founding a local support group in the Tampa Bay area and then to Russell Coaching, for children and young adults with ADHD, Autism, Learning Differences, Anxiety, and Giftedness.

For more information about Russell Coaching.

Sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Office of Maternal, Child, and Family Health/Children with Special Health Care Needs Program and the West Virginia Family 2 Family Health Information Center and Produced by the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities.

Episode Transcript Here

Did you know that your Adjusting the Sails Host is also a parent to a child with Autism? She hasn't always looked at her life as a story to benefit other parents. Though she truly believes sharing experiences and being heard and validated in one's parenthood journey is healing for parents of children with special needs, it hasn't always been easy to see herself or story through the same lens as the families she works with every day. Many thanks to the listener that reached out and requested a "get to know you" type of episode. Please enjoy and remember, together, we can adjust the sails.

Sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Office of Maternal, Child, and Family Health/Children with Special Health Care Needs Program and the West Virginia Family 2 Family Health Information Center and Produced by the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities.

Episode Transcript Here