The Unfiltered Truth About Raising a Child on the Spectrum
Listen ‘Confessions of an Autism Dad’
Greetings and Salutations
I’m Tony Danna, the host of Confessions of an Autism Dad, a podcast I began to honor my son Dante who is profoundly autistic and nonverbal. Dante’s disorder has complicated and affected his life, through it all I have watched him suffer, improvise, adapt and overcome. As his father and advocate, it is my responsibility to tell his story as best I can: I am and always will be Dante’s voice.
The podcast and webpage focus on how Autism (that profound kind especially) greatly affects the family dynamic where siblings are often silent casualties who don’t want to add to their parents’ anxiety. All aspects of ASD will be considered and discussed as the ripple effect of Autism is far reaching. I will shine a light on Autism Awareness, while making everyone aware that that celebrating Autism negatively impacts those who are on the severe end of the spectrum.
In this podcast I also focus on how Autism (that profound kind especially) greatly affects the family dynamic where siblings are often silent casualties who don’t want to add to their parents anxiety. All aspects of Autism will be considered and discussed, including guests, news articles, research, data and personal stories, both mine and yours. And finally, within this podcast I will shine a light on both Autism Awareness, and the Awareness of how celebrating Autism can negatively impact those who are on the severe end of the spectrum.
Latest Episode
The Confessional:
As soon as Dante was diagnosed with autism, I began journaling his daily behavior as best I could in order to keep track of things that worked and didn't work for him. I recorded every observation where I felt the details could help him, whether it was a milestone or a setback. Eventually, the journal also became a sanctuary for me, where I could vent. Throughout Dante's Journey I came to realize that journaling served me as a therapeutic outlet. I will share with you a few entries.
My Journal
The Confessional
This page showcases my review of movies that focus on or includes a character who is on the spectrum. Here I give recommendations by grading various films that deal with Autism and share my viewpoint, and invite other critics to share their opinions.
Movies
New Jersey: The Autism State
This page is dedicated to the legislation New Jersey has instituted for individuals with Autism, both past and present. News articles within the state will also be showcased, especially those of neglect within group homes and lack of state respite for families going through hard times. I wanted a New Jersey map symbol within this page, I thought it would add a nice touch to the page.
On this page I share my point of view on autism’s public image on social media, diagnostic practices, education, health economics, and research priorities. This page also focuses on the politics on autism through the Federal Government and what the future holds for Autism Families.
The Class of 25