You love your children. You want to be present, patient, and supportive.

So why can fatherhood still leave you feeling overwhelmed, triggered, or unsure whether you’re doing enough?

In this episode of Parenting on the Spectrum, Theresa Alexander Inman talks with leadership expert, executive coach, and founder of the Ambitious Dads Project, Jeff Hittner, about what modern fathers really need to thrive.

After interviewing nearly 200 dads, Jeff discovered that many men can clearly describe their career goals yet struggle to answer a much more personal question: What kind of father do I want to be?

Together, Theresa and Jeff explore emotional regulation, fatherhood confidence, vulnerability, repair, asking for help, and why being a great dad is about more than simply being present.

1. Why your child’s big emotions may trigger your own and how understanding your history can help you respond differently.

2. Why repair matters more than perfection and how apologizing, reconnecting, and allowing your children to see your vulnerability can strengthen relationships.

3. How to father with intention by moving beyond the traditional role of financial provider and becoming an emotional provider of safety, values, connection, and support.

Jeff also shares an important reminder for fathers: asking for help is not weakness. It takes strength and courage to recognize when you need support.

About Jeff:

Jeff Hittner is an executive coach, leadership expert, and founder of Ambitious Dads. After learning he could not become a biological father, Jeff reimagined what fatherhood could look like. Today, he is the proud dad of two boys.

With decades of leadership experience, including coaching CEOs across six continents, Jeff now helps fathers lead with greater courage, presence, and intention—and build a definition of success worth passing on to their children.

Explore the Ambitious Dads Project, coaching, programs, and resources for fathers:

https://ambitiousdads.com/

I’m Theresa Alexander Inman, BCBA, founder of Parenting on the Spectrum. I help parents of autistic children build communication, daily living skills, participation, and confidence through compassionate, play-based strategies rooted in connection before correction.

The Parenting on the Spectrum App gives families practical tools to support communication, track growth, and build everyday skills with greater confidence.

No waitlist required:
http://app.parentingonthespectrum.co/

Pathways to Early Communication offers practical strategies for strengthening the early skills that support communication and development.

Find the book:
https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicate

Explore neurodiversity-affirming courses with real strategies, printable resources, and simple action steps for everyday family life.

Explore the course library:
https://courses.parentingonthespectrum.co/

If this conversation gave you a new perspective on fatherhood, follow Parenting on the Spectrum and share this episode with a dad who may need to hear that he does not have to figure it all out alone.

#ParentingOnTheSpectrum #Fatherhood #ModernFatherhood #AmbitiousDads #DadSupport #IntentionalFatherhood #ParentingSupport #EmotionalRegulation #ParentChildConnection #ParentingWithPurpose #PositiveFatherhood #DadsMatter #ParentingPodcast #AutismParenting #NeurodivergentFamilies #VulnerableLeadership #ParentingWithoutPerfection #ConnectionBeforeCorrection #JeffHittner #TheresaAlexanderInman

3 Things You’ll LearnLearn More From JeffAbout Theresa & Parenting on the SpectrumStill Waiting for Services?Worried About Your Baby or Toddler’s Communication?Need Practical Guidance at Home?

The more advice you give, the less your young adult may tell you.

Your young adult is struggling to find direction. You want to help, so you offer advice, encouragement, and solutions.

But what happens when they stop listening?

In this episode of Parenting on the Spectrum, Theresa Alexander Inman talks with life coach and parent Evan Sanchez about helping young adults, including neurodivergent young adults, feel seen, heard, and safe enough to discover their own interests, strengths, and direction.

Evan shares lessons from parenting his neurodivergent daughter, including mistakes he wishes he had handled differently, repairing their relationship, creating psychological safety, and celebrating the small wins that helped her feel more confident and understood.

1. Why more advice may not be the answer and how reflective questions can help your young adult think for themselves.

2. How psychological safety changes communication, especially for young adults who feel judged, misunderstood, or pressured to mask.

3. Why celebrating small wins matters and how noticing progress without comparison can help your child feel capable and seen.

Instead of asking:

“What did you accomplish today?”

Try:

“What are you excited about right now?”
“What are you proud of yourself for?”
“What is lighting you up right now?”

Sometimes connection begins when we stop trying to provide the answer and give our children room to discover their own.

If your teen or young adult seems stuck, withdrawn, unsure of their future, or tired of hearing advice, this conversation may help you approach them differently.

About Evan Sanchez:

Evan Sanchez, is the founder of New Grad Launchpad, where he helps parents of young adults learn how to talk to their children without falling into the trap of constant advice. Evan teaches parents how to create trust and psychological safety so their kids feel empowered to take ownership and move forward with confidence.

Learn more from Evan at: https://newgradlaunchpadcoaching.com/

Also connect with Evan Sanchez on LinkedIn to learn more about his work helping parents support young adults as they explore their interests and direction.

I’m Theresa Alexander Inman, BCBA, founder of Parenting on the Spectrum. I help parents of autistic children build communication, daily living skills, participation, and greater confidence using compassionate, play-based strategies rooted in connection before correction.

Your child’s progress doesn’t have to wait.

The Parenting on the Spectrum App gives you practical tools to support communication, track growth, and build everyday skills with greater confidence.

Start today:
http://app.parentingonthespectrum.co/

Pathways to Early Communication gives parents, caregivers, and professionals practical ways to strengthen early communication and developmental skills through everyday moments.

Find the book:
https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicate

Need practical guidance after an autism diagnosis?

Explore neurodiversity-affirming courses with real strategies, printable worksheets, and simple action steps for everyday family life.

Explore the library:
https://courses.parentingonthespectrum.co/

Follow Parenting on the Spectrum and share this episode with another parent who may need it. Feeling seen and heard can be the beginning of growth.

#ParentingOnTheSpectrum #YoungAdultParenting #NeurodivergentYoungAdults #AutismParenting #ParentingAdultChildren #ParentingTeens #Neurodiversity #PsychologicalSafety #ParentChildConnection #CommunicationSkills #ParentingSupport #ParentCoaching #YoungAdultSupport #ParentingPodcast #TheresaAlexanderInman #EvanSanchez #ConnectionBeforeCorrection

3 Things You’ll LearnLearn More From EvanAbout Theresa & Parenting on the SpectrumStill Waiting for Services?Worried About Your Baby or Toddler’s Communication?Practical Parent Courses

You’ve tried strategies, therapies, routines, and maybe even medication, yet your child may still be struggling with focus, regulation, energy, eating, sleep, or overall well-being.

Could nutrition, gut health, movement, and everyday lifestyle choices be another piece of the puzzle?

In this episode of Parenting on the Spectrum, Theresa Alexander Inman, BCBA, talks with functional health consultant and Doctor of Pharmacy Dr. Yana Clayman about functional medicine, nutrition, gut health, ADHD, autism, and practical lifestyle strategies families can explore to support neurodivergent children.

Rather than asking, “How do we fix this child?” this conversation invites parents to ask a different question: “What might my child’s body need to feel and function at its best?”

1. Why individualized care matters and why the same nutrition, supplement, or wellness approach may not work for every child.

2. Simple changes families can explore, including adding more whole foods, increasing water intake, encouraging movement, and making gradual food changes.

3. How to support your child without trying to “fix” them, while staying curious about factors that may influence comfort, focus, energy, health, and overall well-being.

Dr. Yana Clayman is a functional health consultant and Doctor of Pharmacy with nearly two decades of healthcare experience. After experiencing significant health challenges herself, she discovered functional medicine and shifted her work toward nutrition, lifestyle, nutrigenomics, and individualized wellness strategies.

Today, she supports children with ADHD and other developmental differences and helps families explore ways to promote greater health and well-being. She is also an 800-hour Certified Yoga Teacher.

Learn more from Dr. Yana:
https://atypicallyawesome.com/nextstep

Instagram: @atypically.awesome

I’m Theresa Alexander Inman, BCBA, founder of Parenting on the Spectrum. I help parents of autistic children build communication, daily living skills, participation, and greater confidence through compassionate, play-based support grounded in connection before correction.

Your child’s progress does not have to wait.

The Parenting on the Spectrum App gives families practical tools to support communication, track growth, and build everyday skills with greater confidence.

No waitlist required:
http://app.parentingonthespectrum.co/

Pathways to Early Communication gives parents, caregivers, and professionals practical strategies for strengthening the early skills that support communication and development.

Find the book:
https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicate

Feeling overwhelmed by conflicting parenting advice?

Explore neurodiversity-affirming courses with practical strategies, worksheets, and simple action steps designed for real family life.

Explore the course library:
https://courses.parentingonthespectrum.co/

If this conversation gave you something new to consider, follow Parenting on the Spectrum, share this episode, and send it to another family who may find it helpful.

Important: Nutrition, supplements, medication, and other health decisions should be individualized. Always consult your child’s qualified healthcare professional before making significant changes.

#ParentingOnTheSpectrum #AutismParenting #NeurodivergentKids #ADHDParenting #Neurodiversity #AutismSupport #FunctionalMedicine #GutHealth #ChildNutrition #NutritionForKids #WholeChildHealth #ParentingSupport #NeurodivergentChildren #ParentingPodcast #TheresaAlexanderInman #YanaClayman #ConnectionBeforeCorrection #HealthyHabits #ParentEducation #AutismPodcast

You’re juggling therapies, school, and daily routines. How do you support your child’s well-being in the middle of it all?

Join Theresa Alexander Inman, BCBA, and Dr. Leonaura Rhodes, a former UK developmental pediatrician and brain health coach, to explore everyday support for autistic and neurodivergent children. From sleep and movement to stress and self-belief, this conversation looks at the whole child.

Dr. Rhodes shares her “State, Story, Strategy, Success” framework and invites parents to define success with their child’s interests, needs, and preferences in mind.

Three things you’ll learn:

• How sleep, movement, stress, and positive relationships fit into your child’s daily support.

• • Why nurturing your child’s confidence matters alongside teaching new skills.
  • How the four-part framework can help you reflect on your child’s well-being, beliefs, supports, and goals.

  
  

  About Leonaura Rhodes

  As a junior doctor I once hid in a linen closet for 3 hours because I couldn't handle the stress. I was working long hours, the responsibility was overwhelming and I was being bullied. I look back and realize I didn't know that suffering from stress was optional and I had no tools. When my youngest son was very sick I had an aha moment reading a book that suffering was optional and I became obsessed with learning about stress and how to overcome it.

• Connect with Dr. Rhodes:
  https://www.drleonaurarhodes.com/

  
  

  About Theresa & Parenting on the Spectrum:

  I’m Theresa Alexander Inman, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and founder of Parenting on the Spectrum. I help parents of autistic children, particularly ages 2–7, feel more confident supporting their child’s communication, daily living skills, and participation in family life.

  My work includes parent coaching, workshops, a podcast, and Behavior Detective Journals. I’m also developing digital courses and app-based support to make practical guidance available to more families. My approach centers on compassionate, play-based strategies and “connection before correction.”

  
  

  Still waiting for services?

  Your child’s progress doesn’t have to wait too. The Parenting on the Spectrum App gives you practical tools to support communication, track growth, and build everyday skills with greater confidence. No waitlist required. Start today: ⁠⁠⁠app.parentingonthespectrum.co⁠⁠⁠]

  
  

  Worried about your baby or toddler’s communication? Pathways to Early Communication gives parents, caregivers, and professionals practical ways to strengthen the early skills that support communication and development. Simple strategies. Real stories. Guidance you can use in everyday moments. Find the book here: ⁠⁠⁠https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicate⁠⁠⁠

  
  

  Gentle Guidance for the Hardest (and Best) Job You'll Ever Do

  After years working with autistic children and their families, I created these neurodiversity-affirming courses to give parents the practical guidance that's often missing after a diagnosis. Real strategies, printable worksheets, simple action steps. No judgment, no pressure. Explore the library and find the one that fits your family. Access them here: https://courses.parentingonthespectrum.co/

You’ve noticed differences in your child’s development. Now you’re facing a long waitlist. Could a virtual autism evaluation offer another path to answers?

Join Theresa Alexander Inman, BCBA, and pediatrician Dr. Tracy Burton, Chief Medical Officer of As You Are, to explore autism evaluations from home. Learn how parent observations, familiar surroundings, and a team approach can inform an assessment, and why the conversation continues beyond a diagnosis.

Three things you’ll learn:

• What to expect from a virtual autism evaluation, including the parent interview, observation, and feedback visits.

• Why observations from parents, teachers, and therapists help build a fuller picture of your child.

• What to ask about insurance, therapy referrals, and care coordination after an evaluation.

Learn more and check service availability:
As You Are: https://asyouare.com/

About As You Are (in thier words):

"As You Are is a team of neurodevelopmental physicians who guide families with clear, compassionate expertise. We give parents the knowledge they need to help their children thrive.

Early, accurate diagnosis opens the door to effective therapy. Our virtual clinic shortens wait times so children can begin building new skills sooner.

Our specialists provide thorough evaluations for autism and other neuro-developmental conditions and create personalized care plans, all from the comfort of home.

Families also receive help from a Care Sidekick who supports them in accessing services after diagnosis. *Availability may vary by state and insurance.

We believe every child has unique strengths, and we bring that belief to our work every day." (asyouare.com)

About Theresa & Parenting on the Spectrum:

I’m Theresa Alexander Inman, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and founder of Parenting on the Spectrum. I help parents of autistic children, particularly ages 2–7, feel more confident supporting their child’s communication, daily living skills, and participation in family life.

My work includes parent coaching, workshops, a podcast, and Behavior Detective Journals. I’m also developing digital courses and app-based support to make practical guidance available to more families. My approach centers on compassionate, play-based strategies and “connection before correction.”

Still waiting for services?

Your child’s progress doesn’t have to wait too. The Parenting on the Spectrum App gives you practical tools to support communication, track growth, and build everyday skills with greater confidence. No waitlist required. Start today: ⁠⁠⁠app.parentingonthespectrum.co⁠⁠⁠]

Worried about your baby or toddler’s communication? Pathways to Early Communication gives parents, caregivers, and professionals practical ways to strengthen the early skills that support communication and development. Simple strategies. Real stories. Guidance you can use in everyday moments. Find the book here: ⁠⁠⁠https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicate⁠⁠⁠

Gentle Guidance for the Hardest (and Best) Job You'll Ever Do

After years working with autistic children and their families, I created these neurodiversity-affirming courses to give parents the practical guidance that's often missing after a diagnosis. Real strategies, printable worksheets, simple action steps. No judgment, no pressure. Explore the library and find the one that fits your family. Access them here: https://courses.parentingonthespectrum.co/

In this episode of Parenting on the Spectrum, Theresa speaks with Dr. Vaish Sarathy about non-linear learning and why many neurodivergent children struggle in traditional, step-by-step systems.

Dr. Sarathy explains how learning often unfolds in bursts, not straight lines, and how curiosity, patterns, and intrinsic motivation drive real understanding. This conversation offers a powerful reframe for parents and professionals who worry when progress looks uneven, helping them recognize growth, reduce pressure, and better support how children truly learn.

About Dr. Sarathy (in her words):

I’m a Math & Chemistry teacher, Learning Strategist and mom to a non-speaking Autistic teen with Down Syndrome - a published poet.

I teach parents of learners with disabilities (like Down Syndrome and Autism) how to help their kids learn.

Not just learn, but learn an age and grade -appropriate education. To read AND understand complex literature, to do Algebra, and more ...

You don’t need supplements, expensive treatments, or to spend hours a day teaching.

You just need a shift in your mindset and approach. (https://www.drvaishsarathy.com/)

Learn more from Dr. Sarathy at: https://www.drvaishsarathy.com/

About Theresa & Parenting on the Spectrum:

I’m Theresa Alexander Inman, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and founder of Parenting on the Spectrum. I help parents of autistic children, particularly ages 2–7, feel more confident supporting their child’s communication, daily living skills, and participation in family life.

My work includes parent coaching, workshops, a podcast, and Behavior Detective Journals. I’m also developing digital courses and app-based support to make practical guidance available to more families. My approach centers on compassionate, play-based strategies and “connection before correction.”

Still waiting for services?

Your child’s progress doesn’t have to wait too. The Parenting on the Spectrum App gives you practical tools to support communication, track growth, and build everyday skills with greater confidence. No waitlist required. Start today: ⁠⁠app.parentingonthespectrum.co⁠⁠]

Worried about your baby or toddler’s communication? Pathways to Early Communication gives parents, caregivers, and professionals practical ways to strengthen the early skills that support communication and development. Simple strategies. Real stories. Guidance you can use in everyday moments. Find the book here: ⁠⁠https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicate⁠⁠

Gentle Guidance for the Hardest (and Best) Job You'll Ever Do

After years working with autistic children and their families, I created these neurodiversity-affirming courses to give parents the practical guidance that's often missing after a diagnosis. Real strategies, printable worksheets, simple action steps. No judgment, no pressure. Explore the library and find the one that fits your family. Access them here: https://courses.parentingonthespectrum.co/

“I’m just not good at math.” Does that sound familiar?

Join Theresa Alexander Inman, BCBA, and Dr. Aditya Nagrath, founder of Elephant Learning, to explore math anxiety, early math skills, and building your child’s confidence. From counting snacks to shopping for groceries, discover everyday opportunities to make numbers meaningful.

Three things you’ll learn:

• Why reciting numbers and connecting them to quantities are different skills.

• How everyday activities can strengthen counting and early addition.

• How encouraging language and starting at your child’s current skill level can support math confidence.

  
  

  About Dr. Nagrath:

  Dr. Nagrath helps students overcome mathematics anxiety. Aditya is the creator and founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy which helps students learn years of mathematics over the course of a few months using their system just 10 minutes per day, 3 days per week.
  With a PhD in Mathematics & Computer Sciences, Dr. Nagrath has spent over 30 years in industry as a software engineer, author, leader, speaker, and serial entrepreneur working on everything from atomic clocks to iOS and Android apps to Amazon’s Kindle Fire. As the Founder of Elephant Head Software, which won the prestigious JD Edwards Innovation Award in 2015, he has also done software projects for Pearson, Verizon, Telefonica, JD Edwards (Oracle), and other billion dollar companies.

  Learn more from Dr. Nagrath at: https://www.elephantlearning.com/

  
  

  About Theresa & Parenting on the Spectrum:

  I’m Theresa Alexander Inman, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and founder of Parenting on the Spectrum. I help parents of autistic children, particularly ages 2–7, feel more confident supporting their child’s communication, daily living skills, and participation in family life.

  My work includes parent coaching, workshops, a podcast, and Behavior Detective Journals. I’m also developing digital courses and app-based support to make practical guidance available to more families. My approach centers on compassionate, play-based strategies and “connection before correction.”

  
  

  Still waiting for services?

  Your child’s progress doesn’t have to wait too. The Parenting on the Spectrum App gives you practical tools to support communication, track growth, and build everyday skills with greater confidence. No waitlist required. Start today: ⁠app.parentingonthespectrum.co⁠]

  
  

  Worried about your baby or toddler’s communication? Pathways to Early Communication gives parents, caregivers, and professionals practical ways to strengthen the early skills that support communication and development. Simple strategies. Real stories. Guidance you can use in everyday moments. Find the book here: ⁠https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicate⁠

  
  

  Gentle Guidance for the Hardest (and Best) Job You'll Ever Do

  After years working with autistic children and their families, I created these neurodiversity-affirming courses to give parents the practical guidance that's often missing after a diagnosis. Real strategies, printable worksheets, simple action steps. No judgment, no pressure. Explore the library and find the one that fits your family. Get them here: https://courses.parentingonthespectrum.co/

  
  

Take the next step: Listen now, follow Parenting on the Spectrum on Spotify, and share this episode with a parent who has heard, “I can’t do math!”

#ParentingOnTheSpectrum #MathAnxiety #MathConfidence #EarlyMathSkills #ElephantLearning #LearningAtHome #ParentingTips

In this episode, I talk with Amanda Trisdale and her daughter Leta Trisdale about how dance transformed Leta’s life, and led to the creation of something extraordinary.Diagnosed with autism at age three and considered nonvocal, Leta found her voice through dance when traditional therapies fell short. Despite her talent, traditional dance spaces weren’t built for neurodivergent dancers, leading to misunderstanding and exclusion.Together, Amanda and Leta founded Autistic Wings Dance Company, a nonprofit reimagining dance education for autistic dancers through individualized, inclusive instruction.This conversation explores autism, advocacy, creativity, and what becomes possible when we build spaces where neurodivergent people truly belong.Connect with Amanda & Leta: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/letas-tap-styles-and-my-autistic-life/id1751184053

https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org/

https://www.youtube.com/@letatapstyles

Still waiting for services? Your child’s progress doesn’t have to wait too. The Parenting on the Spectrum App gives you practical tools to support communication, track growth, and build everyday skills with greater confidence. No waitlist required. Start today: app.parentingonthespectrum.co](http://app.parentingonthespectrum.co/ Worried about your baby or toddler’s communication? Pathways to Early Communication gives parents, caregivers, and professionals practical ways to strengthen the early skills that support communication and development. Simple strategies. Real stories. Guidance you can use in everyday moments. Find the book here: https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicateWhen everyday moments become constant struggles, it can be hard to know what to try next. The 12-Week Reconnection Program helps you better understand your child’s communication, strengthen connection, reduce power struggles, and create calmer moments at home. Your child isn’t broken. Learn more: wecare@parentingonthespectrum.coReady for calmer moments and stronger connection at home? Start with one next step today. Explore the Parenting on the Spectrum App, the 12-Week Reconnection Program, or Pathways to Early Communication. If this episode helped you, like, follow, download and share Parenting on the Spectrum with another parent who may need this reminder.