Hi Pod! I'm Dad.

Ever wondered what pure, unfiltered humanity looks like? My son Lucas shows me every day. Through the lens of raising a nonverbal child with autism, I've discovered something remarkable about human connection that I never expected to find.

Most people see limitations when they look at someone like Lucas. Politicians make sweeping statements about what autism is, focusing on what's missing rather than what's ...

James Gutman explores the journey of raising his nonverbal son Lucas, challenging societal expectations about fatherhood and special needs parenting. Through this experience, he's discovered that the future he once feared has become the life he now cherishes, finding unexpected beauty in raising a child who reflects his purest values.

• Raising a nonverbal child means gradual adaptation rather than sudden change
•...

James Gutman reflects on Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation Month, sharing personal insights as the father of Lucas, his 14-year-old nonverbal son with autism. He explores how language creates conflict even among those advocating for people with autism, while emphasizing that his son's non-verbal communication has shown him how "overrated" words can be.

• Terminology matters but creates division—...

James Gutman shares his journey raising his nonverbal son with autism, Lucas, who is about to turn 14, reflecting on how initial fears have transformed into deep appreciation for their perfectly imperfect life together. He describes the breakthrough moment when he joined Lucas in play rather than trying to correct him, leading to a connection that showed him his son understood more than he realized.

• Discussion of James&a...

James Gutman announces his upcoming book "Hi World, I'm Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance and Appreciation," now available for pre-order and due in stores June 19th. This deeply personal work chronicles his journey with his 14-year-old nonverbal son Lucas, moving beyond society's fear-based narrative about autism to discover the pure joy and genuine connection that comes from appreciat...

"Lucas is straightforward. There's no manipulation with him. He doesn't lie... If Lucas loves you, Lucas loves you." 

James Gutman reflects on the unexpected joys and profound lessons of raising his nonverbal son Lucas, who has autism. He challenges common misconceptions about special needs parenting and explains his concept of "autism appreciation" – recognizing his son's unique qua...

This episode delves into the journey of watching my son Lucas grow up and the emotional complexities that accompany it. As he approaches his 14th birthday, I reflect on our experiences, navigating life as a father of a child on the autism spectrum. Every milestone reminds us that time is fleeting, and the transformation from child to young adult can be jarring yet beautiful.

Join me as I recount our recent supermarket adve...

Celebrating milestones and bonding with loved ones brings a deeper understanding of acceptance in parenting a child with autism. Through personal stories, James Guttman explores the significance of appreciating individuality and evolving perceptions about disabilities, focusing on love and growth as his non-verbal son prepares to turn 14.

• Reflections on eight years of blogging about autism parenting 
• Celebrating up...

This episode beautifully captures the joys and challenges of parenting a child with autism (and one without), highlighting the spontaneous love and honest nature of Lucas. Through anecdotes and reflections, the discussion emphasizes the importance of embracing inconvenient moments and fostering open lines of communication in family dynamics.

• Exploring the unique ways a non-verbal kid can irk his dad
• Celebrating the...

This episode explores the joys and challenges of parenting a child with autism, revealing personal stories of parenting regrets and the importance of acceptance. The discussion emphasizes the value of embracing children's unique traits and invites listeners to share their stories.

• The beauty of embracing a child’s unique personality 
• Reflections on stimming behaviors and their significance 
• Personal stor...

The episode explores the journey of parenting a nonverbal child, focusing on the bond between the host and his son, Lucas, who has autism. It addresses the challenges of communication, the importance of establishing security and connection, and the host's reflections on his ongoing role as a father.

• Discussion on the gate as a symbol of security 
• Reflection on eight years of blogging about autism 
• Person...

The conversation focuses on the father-son relationship between James and his son Lucas, who has autism. Through personal anecdotes, James shares the lessons he's learned about understanding autism, fostering connection, and appreciating individuality, while encouraging other parents to embrace their own journeys with hope.

• Discusses the upcoming release of James's book on autism appreciation 
• Reflects on...

This episode explores the evolving bond between a father and his nonverbal son, Lucas, who is on the autism spectrum. James Gutman shares heartfelt reflections on acceptance, appreciation, and the value of challenging societal pity towards children with autism. 
• Importance of autism appreciation 
• Personal journey of parenting Lucas 
• Misrepresentation of autism in media 
• Lucas's unique traits and experie...

This first episode of 2025 episode beautifully captures the evolution of autism awareness, acceptance, and appreciation as a father reflects on raising his nonverbal son in a changing world. It highlights personal anecdotes alongside broader societal themes, weaving together love, hope, and the importance of continuous learning. 
• The year 2025 brings reflections on societal perceptions of autism 
• Sharing personal experi...

In the final Hi Pod of 2024, James Guttman looks at his approach to gift giving with his non-verbal son at Christmas, a look ahead towards 2025, and why he needs to drink more water.

Preorder James Guttman’s new book – “Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation”

Follow Us On Facebook and Follow James Guttman on Instagram.

Also, be sure to read the blog that starte...

James Guttman has happy holidays now with his non-verbal son and loved ones, but there was a time when they weren't so merry. James talks about why celebrations were difficult when his son was first diagnosed with autism and how he's learned to make the perfect Christmas.

Preorder James Guttman’s new book – “Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation”

Follow Us On ...

On the 12 year anniversary, James Guttman looks back at the surprise quintuple bypass that changed his way of thinking, goals for life, and feelings about Autism Appreciation.

Preorder James Guttman’s new book – “Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation”

Follow Us On Facebook and Follow James Guttman on Instagram.

Also, be sure to read the blog that started it al...

James Guttman returns with a look at his non-verbal son's recent developments, physical growth, and how the things he couldn't do before, he can do now...but only if you know to have him do them.

Preorder James Guttman’s new book – “Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation”

Follow Us On Facebook and Follow James Guttman on Instagram.

Also...