About

I'm William. I'm a dad. My son is autistic, level 3, and he doesn't use spoken words. He communicates plenty, just not the way most of the world expects. Learning his language has been the most important work of my life.

I started the Autism.dad Facebook page to share our moments as they happen. This site is where the longer stories live: the ones that need more than a caption, the things I've figured out the hard way, and the resources I wish someone had handed me at the start.

What this is

Advocacy for my son. He deserves to be seen as a whole person, not a diagnosis. I'm going to keep saying that until it isn't necessary.
Our moments. The wins, the meltdowns, the 3 a.m. wake-ups, the joy that shows up when you least expect it.
Help for other parents. If you just got a diagnosis and you're scared, this is for you. If you're ten years in and exhausted, this is for you too.

What this isn't

I'm not a clinician and this isn't medical advice. I'm one dad sharing what has and hasn't worked for one kid. Your child is different from mine, and that's exactly the point.

A note on privacy

My son can't consent to being written about, so I try to write the way I'd want someone to write about me. I share the real stuff, but I keep his dignity first. If you're a parent doing the same, I'd love to hear how you draw that line.

Say hello

The easiest way to reach me is a message on Facebook. I read everything, even when I'm slow to reply.